Result-prone pitch may suit Pakistan in Third Test (20 October 1998)

20 October 1998

Result-prone pitch may suit Pakistan in Third Test

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Oct 19: It is not clear what type of pitch will be prepared for the crucial third and final Test, which begins at the National Stadium from Thursday.

Pakistan, trailing in the series, face a daunting challenge to keep their remarkable 44-year-old unbeaten record intact at this venue since it is more likely that a result-oriented track is prepared to give the home side a last chance to level the series.

On Monday afternoon, the pitch for the match gave a spongy appearance, which may lead to a slow and turning track when the Test actually begins.

By the look of things, the spinners could play a decisive role here. Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, who bagged nine wickets during the innings victory in the Rawalpindi Test, enjoyed bowling at the National Stadium in the opening tour match when he took nine for 125 against the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA).

The dilemma facing the home team at the moment is the fitness of key bowlers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis (who has yet to play in the series), Mohammad Zahid and Mushtaq Ahmed.

Chairman of selectors Wasim Bari had a look at the match pitch along with fellow selector Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday evening. They will name the squad for Test sometime tomorrow (Tuesday) after consulting selector Shafiq Ahmed, Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail and coach Javed Miandad.

Off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has arrived back from London after visiting his ailing father and has made himself available for selection. He is currently playing for PIA in the Patron's Trophy match against Allied Bank.

Rawalpindi left-arm slow bowler Shakeel Ahmed, who was among the reserves for Peshawar Test, is likely to be considered, according to sources.

The sources, on the condition of anonymity, also indicated that Pakistan may go into the Test with five specialist batsmen, a wicket-keeper and five regular bowlers.

Meanwhile, extensive work is being carried out at a brisk pace to give the stadium a 'fresh' look. Last Wednesday's rain has proved a blessing in disguise for the stadium because the outfield has that green appearance, which was lacking in the recent months.

Sale of tickets has also picked up considerably as the drawn second Test at Peshawar has kept the interest of the cricket fans 'alive'.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)