Pakistan dodge ICC's wrath as rank turners in PAK vs ENG series get 'satisfactory' rating

International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (7th November) came up with the ratings for the pitches that Pakistan prepared for the Test series against the England National Cricket Team. The governing body has rated surfaces in Rawalpindi and Multan as satisfactory.

Pakistan National Cricket Team and the England National Cricket Team were involved in an enthralling three-match Test series. The series went in favor of the Shan Masood-led side, who, for the first time since 2021, managed to win the Test series at home.

England won the first Test against Pakistan by a massive margin

The Test series series started in Multan, and England went on to win the first game. It was a flat deck, where Pakistan posted 556 and the the visitors scored 827 for 7 declared, the highest total ever made in Pakistan. The Ben Stokes-led then took wickets early on in the second innings and registered a massive win.

Following that, Pakistan completely changed the nature of the pitches. The new selection committee, including Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed, decided to use dry pitches that would offer turns, and they opted to include two spinners in the playing XI for the last two games of the series.

Pakistan used giant fans to dry the pitch out and large fans to help break the surface up for the last two games

To make the pitches dry, the hosts' management used giant fans to dry the pitch out and also involved large fans as well as wedding-style heaters with windbreaks to help break the surface up. This played a huge part and changed the entire complexion of the series.

The pitches for the last two Tests in Multan and Rawalpindi offered a lot of turn as all the 40 English wickets fell to spin. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were the main architects as they combined to pick 39 wickets and helped the team make a strong comeback to the format.

Many English fans criticized the hosts' management for preparing rank turners, but the hosts reverted back, saying that they have the right to prepare surfaces that offered them a home advantage following their defeat on a flat track in the first Test.

The rating of pitches and outfields for all international games are rated on a scale of very good to unfit

The reports claimed that the International Cricket Council reportedly accepted that as they gave each of the strips the lowest rating that does not amount to a censure. They made a narrow escape after they were given the 'Satisfactory' rating for all three games.

The rating of pitches and outfields for all international games are rated on a scale of very good to unfit: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and unfit. For an unsatisfactory rating, one demerit point is awarded to venues, while three are given for an unfit rating.

If any ground receives five or more demerit points in a five-year rolling period, it is suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months.

Read Also: Shreyas Iyer to be flown to Australia at the 11th hour? Twin tons bring India vs Australia Tests in focus