Pakistan cricket team, Multan pitch slammed by former cricketers as England march towards victory

It’s safe to say that another home Test is not going well for Pakistan. After losing 2-0 to Bangladesh at home, a first series loss to the Tigers, Pakistan are now on the verge of a defeat against England in the first Test at Multan, on a pitch that has been very generous to the batters so far.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood and Agha Salman slammed centuries in the first innings as the hosts scored 556 but in reply, England went on to punish the Pakistan bowlers in Multan with some record-breaking batting. They scored over 800 runs, the first time against Pakistan in a Test innings as Joe Root and Harry Brook made a
world record 454-run partnership.

‘Highway’ pitch in Multan faces critcism

The flat pitch in Multan which was often referred to as a “highway” on social media saw six Pakistan bowlers concede over 100 runs in the Test match and the reaction from former cricketers and experts was brutal.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head Ramiz Raja questioned why such a flat track that neutralises the threat of Pakistan pacers was offered in a home Test, while former England batting star Kevin Pietersen said Multan-type pitches will “destroy” Test cricket.

“I’m sure bowlers will be questioning the quality of this track because they bend their back and nothing has happened,” Raja said on a TV channel. “You start questioning why such a surface was provided and why are we playing on such a surface at home.”

Pietersen posted on X: “Still a bowlers graveyard! If this wicket doesn’t crumble and produce a result, it’s helping DESTROY Test cricket.”

Still a bowlers graveyard! If this wicket doesn’t crumble and produce a result, it’s helping DESTROY Test cricket.

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) October 9, 2024

Experts on social media concurred as one of them pointed out that flat pitches like the ones in Multan will “kill” the Test format over time.

All the talk of sub standard test match pitches globally this Multan one must go to the top of the list . These will kill the format over time Not a fair contest between bat and ball .All the initial praise for the Pakistan 1st innings batting effort has long disappeared…

— John Wright (@johnwright15) October 10, 2024

I feel for Pakistan bowlers who are continuously judged by their performances on the world’s flattest surfaces. Even worse when there was some juice for pacers, during the Bangladesh series, they were rested and are now toiling on a benign Multan pitch. #PakvEng

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) October 9, 2024

Pak batters also face the heat

Pakistan batter also came under fire after the hosts were reduced to 152/6 at stumps on Day 4, needing 115 runs more to avoid an innings defeat. On a pitch that saw over 1300 runs in the first two innings, it was baffling to see Pakistan batters showing a hurry to return to the dressing room.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez pointed out on X that the home team is paying the price of not having a positive mindset and poor planning.

Irrespective of provided conditions at Multan stadium. England team is on driving seat having more chances to win due to positive intent & better game plans. On same pitch if batting equal no of overs England team wil have 175+ runs to play for win. Team Pakistan can only play…

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) October 10, 2024

“Irrespective of provided conditions at Multan stadium. England team is on driving seat having more chances to win due to positive intent & better game plans. On same pitch if batting equal no of overs England team wil have 175+ runs to play for win. Team Pakistan can only play for draw or heading towards an other home ground defeat,” he said.