Inzamam blames English curator for lifeless wicket
MULTAN, March 30: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq on Tuesday blamed English curator Andy Atkinson for the dead wicket in the ongoing first Test against India, saying this was not the track his team wanted.
"The curator did not prepare the pitch we asked for," Inzamam told reporters. "We need hard and bouncy tracks because fast bowling is our strength. Even grassy wickets will not suit us because our bowlers are not seamers."
The wicket at the Multan stadium has been severely criticised after India piled up a mammoth 675 for five wickets declared and the hosts replied with 364-6 by the third day.
Pakistan need 112 runs to avoid follow-on with four wickets in hand and Abdul Razzaq the last recognised batsman at the crease. "I have always said that I want to play on positive pitches, but this pitch does not suit us and I hope wickets in the remaining two Tests will be different," Inzamam said.
Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan also slammed the dead pitch, saying it provided for boring cricket and was bad for country's image. Atkinson admitted a good wicket could not be prepared because of lack of time. "I am sure there will be better wickets for the remaining Tests at Lahore and Rawalpindi," Atkinson said. -AFP
