‘Selection committee deserves credit for preparing spin tracks’

Former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad has praised the newly- revamped selection committee’s decision to opt for spin-friendly pitches in the second and ongoing third Test against England.

England started the series with a dominant performance, winning the first Test in Multan by an innings and 47 runs. This defeat triggered changes in the Pakistan selection committee leading to the appointment of new members, including Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and former ICC elite umpire Aleem Dar.

The new selectors opted for spin tracks in the remaining two Tests. They also rested key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, bringing in spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. This proved effective, as Pakistan won the second Test in Multan on a reused pitch by 152 runs, with the Pakistan spin duo taking all 20 wickets.

Selection committee deserves praise

“I give credit to the selection committee for preparing spin tracks, and you saw that we won the second Test, and the spinners are performing brilliantly in the third,” Sadiq told Nukta.

Pakistan selectors Aqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali with Test captain Shan Masood and coach Jason Gillespie. PCB

He particularly highlighted Aqib Javed's contribution, saying, “Aqib Javed deserves special credit. He works in a professional and authentic manner, and even before his role as a national selector, he suggested playing England on spin tracks. After becoming selector, he implemented this plan, and the results are clear.”

Sadiq further added that using spin tracks had been a tradition during Intikhab Alam's era as well, and that it was a smart move as it leveraged Pakistan's strength.

“In Intikhab Alam’s time too, spin tracks were prepared as it’s our strength. As hosts, it’s within our right to use home conditions to our advantage. This strategy helped us level the series in the second Test, and if we win the third, it will boost our standing in the ICC World Test Championship,” he added.

The former Test cricketer also praised off-spinner Sajid Khan for his outstanding bowling, which limited England to 267 in their first innings at the Rawalpindi Stadium.

“Sajid bowled excellently with variation and placed fielders strategically to build pressure, which resulted in him taking six wickets,” said Sadiq.

Pakistan batters need to support bowlers

Sadiq added that the Pakistani batsmen now face a significant challenge to post a competitive total.

“It will be a real test for our batters. I advise them to stay focused. Even if Pakistan finishes a few runs behind England’s total, it won’t be easy for England to score big in the second innings as the pitch is deteriorating,” he said.

The 79-year-old believes the series decider will go down to the wire.

“I expect it to be a tight game since batting in the fourth innings will be extremely difficult due to the condition of the pitch,” he concluded.