PAK vs ENG: Rawalpindi Pitch Rated 'Below Average' By ICC After First Test Between Pakistan And England

The surface at Rawalpindi used for the first Test between Pakistan and England was rated by the ICC. While a number of batting records were broken during the first Test of the series, which England won by 74 runs, the Rawalpindi surface came under fire for offering very little help to bowlers during the five-day match. 

The pitch was described as “embarrassing” by PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, and Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees concurred. 

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ICC Gives ‘Below Average’ Rating To Rawalpindi Pitch

Pycroft’s results were announced on Tuesday, and the Rawalpindi pitch got its second straight assessment of ‘below average,’ following the same grade given to the pitch following Pakistan’s Test against Australia in March 2022. 

“It was a very flat pitch which gave almost no assistance to any type of bowler,” Pycroft said. 

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“That was the main reason why batters scored very fast and both sides posted huge totals. The pitch hardly deteriorated during the course of the match. Since there was very little in it for the bowlers, I found the pitch to be ‘below average’ as per the ICC guidelines.”  

It means the venue has now incurred two penalty points from consecutive Tests under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process and might be barred from hosting any international cricket in the future if additional demerit points are lost. 

Demerit points are valid for a five-year period, and a site that earns five demerit points is barred from hosting international cricket for a year. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan, who had a chance to reach their first WTC final, were eliminated after losing the opening two matches of their three-match series against a touring England side.

Pakistan had hoped to keep their hopes alive ahead of the home season, but Ben Stokes’ England spoiled their ambitions, defeating them in Rawalpindi and Multan and securing the series with a Test (in Karachi) remaining.

Also Read:Complete List Of Records Broken By Ishan Kishan During His 210 Against Bangladesh In 3rd ODI

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