Pakistan to train on fast pitches

Pakistan who had been completely whitewashed 0-3 in tests at South Africa, and 2-3 in ODI’s have chosen to train on English-style wickets ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan had immensely struggled on hard and bouncy wickets in South Africa and now in the English type of wickets, they need concentrated preparation for the tournament in June. They can’t heavily rely on their skipper Misbah and Hafeez as these are the two batsman who are in fine-form for Pakistan.

“The committee noted that during the South Africa tour, batsmen struggled. Considering the venue of the Champions Trophy it was decided that special pitches, which are close to the English conditions, would be prepared for the training camp,” said a PCB statement.

Pakistan captain Misbah was so particular about preparing on fast pitches that would definitely help them in England. However that would not help fully as the conditions in England are completely different as the ball would swing more when compared to the sub-continent.

Wasim Akram is expected to lead the ten-day bowling camp at Karachi. The PCB statement also said that “The ten-day camp will be held in Abbottabad, north of Islamabad, while Wasim Akram will lead a separate ten-day fast bowling clinic in Karachi. Akram will later join the camp in Abbottabad for a few days as well.

Pakistan have been put under a strong group. Their group comprises of South Africa, India and West Indies. Pakistan have done well in major tournaments and hope they would replicate the same in this year’s champions Trophy as well. The only significant task at hand is the match against India where they have to plan correctly to outclass their arch-rivals India as they’re led by a victorious captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.