Wasim Jaffer believes the biggest threat to Test cricket is dead pitches
Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer is upset with the ongoing Test between Pakistan and Australia as he feels it is a bad advertisement for the format. The former Punjab Kings batting coach believes instead of over rates, lifeless pitches are a threat to Test cricket.
The first of the three Tests between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi has been a batter-dominated game after four days of play. The visitors’ bowling line-up toiled for 162 overs after losing the toss as Pakistan accumulated 476-4, batting for two days.
Azhar Ali top-scored with 185 and shared a mammoth stand of 208 with Imam-ul-Haq, who made his maiden Test hundred.
Stumps in Rawalpindi 🏏
Pakistan picked up five wickets in the day but Australia managed to reduce the first innings deficit.
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In reply, Australia received a brilliant start as Usman Khawaja and David Warner put together an opening stand of 185. However, the top four, including Khawaja, Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith missed out on well-deserving centuries.
Despite that, the visitors trail by only 27 with three wickets remaining heading to the final day. Hence, a draw looks inevitable.
“Tests rarely go to Day 5 nowadays” – Wasim Jaffer
Jaffer said it was surprising to see teams lose points in the World Test Championship due to over rates despite most Tests finishing in four days. The 44-year old tweeted that high-scoring games are unhealthy for the format.
I find it amusing when Test matches get over inside 4 days yet teams lose WTC points for overrate. The biggest threat to test cricket is not overrate. Tests rarely go to day 5 anyway nowadays. The biggest threat to test cricket are dead pitches. Dead pitch = Dead game. #PAKvAUS
It is fair to say that Australia and Pakistan – which have top bowling line-ups - will want to forget this Test. Skipper Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Marnus Labuschagne picked up a wicket each in the first innings. Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali scalped four for the home side.
Australia are touring Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. In 1998, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh led the triumphant Australians in the Tests and ODIs, respectively.