Basit Ali blasts Multan pitch curator; suggests Pakistan learn from India on how to take advantage of home conditions

Basit Ali has launched a scathing attack at Pakistan’s pitch curator, Tony Hemming, over the pitch for the second Test against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan.

His fiery outburst came in the wake of Pakistan's embarrassing defeat in the ongoing three-match Test series opener, where they crumbled under pressure on a pitch that failed to offer any assistance to the spinners.

Pakistan cricket team suffered an innings and 47 runs defeat in the first Test, and they are using the same wicket for the second Pakistan vs England Test in Multan, starting on Tuesday, October 15, at the same venue in Multan.

Multan pitch for Pakistan vs England Test sparks controversy as Basit Ali slams Tony Hemming

The Multan pitch sparked controversy after it was revealed to be a flat and unresponsive surface, leaving Pakistani bowlers frustrated. Notably, Pakistan’s spin attack struggled to make an impact against England.

However, England spinner Jack Leach showcased his prowess by taking seven wickets in the match despite the lack of help from the track, while Shoaib Bashir managed only one wicket across both innings against Pakistan.

On the other hand, Abrar Ahmed bowled 35 overs in the first Test and was left wicketless, ending up in the hospital due to his deteriorating condition after the grueling match against England. Meanwhile, Basit Ali expressed his disappointment with Tony Hemming's pitch preparation skills.

The former Pakistan selector stressed that despite the pitch curator's international experience, Hemming has failed to create a conducive track for spin bowling in Multan for the Pakistan vs England Test. Drawing comparisons with India, Ali emphasized that pitches should be tailored to the home team's strengths. He noted that Pakistan must learn from their rival India to be competitive.

Pakistan must learn from India on how to prepare pitches: Basit Ali

Speaking about the pitch for Pakistan vs England Test, Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “We thought in the first Test match that the ball would spin on the second day. But it didn't happen even on the fifth day. The curator is from Australia, and he has been a part of the ICC as well. But he doesn't know how to prepare a pitch.”

Basit Ali signed off by saying, “Now players will play on the same pitch, hoping that the ball will spin. What is the point of appointing a curator who doesn't know how to make a pitch? It is a very important question. The whole world is making fun of us. Look at India. The pitch is prepared the way they want to.”

Michael Atherton reveals conditions of the Multan pitch for Pakistan vs England Test

Notably, before the start of the second Test between Pakistan and England, Michael Atherton reported that this game is going underway on the same pitch as the first, marking a rare back-to-back Test on the same strip.

The former England captain revealed that the groundsman tried to rejuvenate the surface by watering, rolling, and drying it under giant fans and the sun. As a result, the cracks, which had initially closed, have reopened but remain solid ahead of the second Pakistan vs England Test.

In the end, Atherton predicted the Multan pitch would hold up for a day or two. Well, England went with a balanced squad with seamers and spinners, while Pakistan has gone all-in on spin to win the game.