PAK vs AUS: We Expect A Lot Like The First 2 Tests - Pat Cummins On The Lahore Surface

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins feels that nothing will change when it comes to the surface for the third and final Test in Lahore starting on Monday. Once again the batters are likely to make merry, as per Cummins.

The first two surfaces in Australia’s historic tour of Pakistan have come under heavy scrutiny. Both pitches that were prepared offered absolutely nothing for the bowlers, resulting in a batting fest where both teams piled on the runs.

“In terms of the wicket, it will be quite similar to the first two Test matches. There has been quite a lot of traffic here throughout the PSL. So I will expect a lot like that first two matches.”

“It won’t be super friendly for the pace bowlers, there may not be a bit of reverse swing… so we will wait and see,” Cummins said in a virtual press conference ahead of the 3rd Test.

“Not enough bounce in the wicket for edges to carry” – Pat Cummins

Cummins also spoke about the distance at which the wicket-keeper and the slip cordon stand, claiming that the ball doesn’t carry as much because of the lack of bounce on the Pakistan surfaces.

“The simple answer is that there were not enough bounce in the wicket. So probably four times out of five, if there is a nick, it won’t carry to the first slip who is standing all the way back which is the same distance where he might be standing in Australia.”

“So it is a bigger challenge to catch the chances that may come and some of those might go down as dropped catches. But we much prefer to see a dropped catch than the catch that drops short with the players standing too far back. I feel the fielders are being very brave,” Cummins mentioned.

The first two Tests ended in a draw and the final Test will likely decide the winner of the series.

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