The pitch at Rawalpindi on which England won a memorable Test against Pakistan was rated “below average,” according to the match referee.
All international match pitches are rated. Negative ratings result in demerit points which can lead to the suspension of staging rights.
Rawalpindi has been awarded one merit point for a below-average rating.
This is the second year that the ground has received demerit points.
The pitch for the drew the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in March was also below average.
A venue that receives five demerit points within a five-year period will be banned from hosting international cricket for twelve months.
Six ratings can be assigned to a pitch or outfield: Very good, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor, and Unfit.
Rawalpindi’s flat pitch resulted in 1,768 runs, the highest score in Test history over five days.
England won despite the fact that they didn’t have much encouragement for bowlers.
Andy Pycroft, the match referee, stated that the pitch was very flat and provided almost no support to any kind of bowler. This was the reason that batters scored quickly, and both sides posted large totals. The pitch was in good condition throughout the match.
“Because there was very little for the bowlers to do, I found the pitch to be below average’ according to the ICC guidelines.”
England continued their win in Rawalpindi by securing success at the second Test, Multan. This gave them a commanding 2-0 lead. They are looking for a sweep in Saturday’s final Test in Karachi.
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