Hesson debunks pitches ‘myth’, says there will be ‘variety’ at ODI World Cup
Hesson Debunks Pitches ‘Myth’, Says There Will Be ‘Variety’ at ODI World Cup
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson has defended the team’s decision to roll out a spin-friendly pitch in Rawalpindi for the first ODI against Australia, which the hosts won handsomely by five wickets.
Spinners dominated the opening match of the three-ODI series, bowling 62.3 overs out of a total 86.4 and taking 11 of the 15 wickets in the match. Left-arm orthodox Arafat Minhas took five wickets on debut, becoming the first player from Pakistan to achieve the feat in the format.
Hesson’s Response to Criticism
Hesson responded to criticism that the pitch was not ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa, saying that the myth of all pitches in South Africa being quick and bouncy is not true. He noted that Zimbabwe and Namibia, which are also hosting the World Cup, have venues where spin is a big factor.
“I’ve been hearing a bit of chatter about the pitches here in Pakistan not being the ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa,” Hesson said. “Firstly, the World Cup is jointly hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Zimbabwe and Namibia have venues where spin is a big factor and we will be playing matches in those countries.”
Pakistan’s Preparation for the World Cup
Hesson reflected on Pakistan’s last ODI series in South Africa, where spinners delivered a win in the opening game at Paarl. He said that the team has competed significant research and will be using the next 18 months to prepare for a variety of conditions.
“Those that remember the last ODI series Pakistan played in SA which included Paarl where spin dictated the outcome of the match. Rest assured we have competed significant research and will be using the next 18 months to prepare for a variety of conditions,” Hesson said.
Babar’s Presence Made Things Easier for Ghori
Australia are staring at their third straight ODI series defeat against Pakistan, and they will have to win the second ODI to keep the series alive. Ghazi Ghori, who scored his maiden half-century in what was only his second ODI, said that the hosts cannot be complacent.
“They may be without their regulars, but this is an Australian side after all,” Ghori said. “They will look to bounce back and they must have prepared well for this match. We will have to continue to do well to keep a hold on the series.”
Ghazi scored 65 off 92 balls, his highest List A score, batting at number four. He walked in to bat in the 13th over with the scoreboard reading 49 for two as Pakistan chased a meagre 201. The presence of an experienced batter in Babar Azam at the other end made things easier for Ghori.
“Babar Azam had been batting before I went in the middle and he told me about the conditions,” Ghori said. “It gives you a lot of confidence when you have a senior batter with you in the middle. Babar is a proven performer and his presence at the crease made things easier for me.”
