"This cannot be the template for future cricket in Pakistan" - Nasser Hussain suggests consistency in decision making over used pitchesÂ
Former England captain Nasser Hussain remarked that Pakistan cannot rely on the formula of using used pitches and bringing spinners into play for long-term success. The Men in Green's radical decision to play on the same surface as the first Test in Multan bore results as they ended their losing streak to level the series against England.
Pakistan won the second Test by 152 runs after skittling out the visitors for 144 in the fourth innings. The veteran spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were responsible for the fall of all 20 wickets, backing their inclusion after Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi were dropped from the side altogether.
The result was a stark contrast to the series opener where England and Pakistan had amassed mammoth first innings scores, only for the latter to crumble the second time around and prolong their misery at home.
"You cannot tell me that last week was better viewing than this week, you cannot tell me if you are a local in this part of the world that you are going to come in during 40 degree heat and watch 560 play 800. You are going to come in and watch your side play and win on a pitch that offers something," Hussain told Sy Sports at the end of the match.
"This cannot be the template for future cricket in Pakistan, keep playing on the same surface. But they do need to take a look at their surfaces, and if they find a winning formula - stick with it. Stick with this squad, stick with these two spinners, stick with the batting line up, stick with the selectors and the captain. Have some kind of consistency. Pakistan Test match cricket needed this week," Hussain added.
Shan Masood recorded his first win since taking over as Test captain from Babar Azam last year. The skipper was under tremendous pressure after an unprecedented home whitewash against Bangladesh to slump in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
"The pitch changed around about Day 2 of this match" - Nasser Hussain
Pakistan won the crucial toss to bat first, and the pitch showed signs of gradual deterioration as the match progressed.
Spinners were in the game from the word go, and by the final day, the ball was turning square, giving England no chance to chase down the target in the fourth innings.
"The pitch changed around about Day 2 of this match. Even when Duckett was going through that fabulous hundred, there were deliveries that he played that were bouncing up and hitting him on the shoulder. Since then, spin has absolutely dominated," Hussain said in the same interaction.
The third and final Test of the series is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi on Thursday, October 24.