PAK vs ENG 2022: We wanted a track with some turn for the spinners – Babar Azam on Rawalpindi’s pitch

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has stated they wanted a track with some turn for the spinners in the first Test match against England at Rawalpindi on Monday. However, the track was flat and didn’t have much assistance for the bowlers.

England racked up a gargantuan score of 657 runs in the first innings after Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first. On the other hand, Pakistan was also able to come up with a good reply as they posted 579 runs in the first innings.

However, England played with an aggressive approach as they scored 264-7 in 35.5 overs in the second innings to set up a target of 343 runs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood who was making his Test debut took four wickets in the first innings but he conceded 235 runs in the 33 overs he bowled.

Babar Azam said in the post-match press conference, “Yes, my input was there in the preparation of the pitch and we made it clear what we wanted but we didn’t get that because of the weather or whatever reason. But we wanted a track with some turn for the spinners.”

The Pakistan captain admitted that it is always difficult when the opposition scores 500 runs on an opening day. England had smashed 505 runs on the first day’s play after four batters scored centuries.

“We were expecting they would continue to play like that against us. I think it becomes difficult for a captain when your bowlers are not hitting the right areas and runs are being scored on both sides of the wicket. It is never easy to come back after the opposition scores 500 on the first day. I thought we batted well and came close to their total but in the second innings our batters didn’t live up to the responsibility.”

England was brilliant throughout the Test match and a lot of credit for the win goes to the collective effort of the team.

The second Test match will be hosted in Multan on December 9.