Pakistan simulate backyard bouncy pitch in practice sessions

Team Pakistan is sweating it out in Australia at the moment. They are scheduled to play 3 Tests and 5 ODIs against the mighty Aussies. They do not have a very pleasant record down under. With only 4 Test wins in their 32 appearances, they are keen on improving their show this time around. The conditions and backdrop are not very ideal.

They will head into the series after having faced a 2-0 drubbing in New Zealand recently. The primary reason for their dismal show in New Zealand was their lack of adaptability in the conditions. Things won’t be any different here in Australia either. And the Pakistan team is very well aware of it. Hence, they are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to overhaul the Australians in their own backyard.

The Pakistani team tried some basic backyard cricket tricks to simulate the high bounce wickets of Australia. They were seen practising with a heavy board placed at the middle of the pitch. The board was dripping wet. Every time the ball landed on that metal board, it skidded off with great bounce and pace. The Pakistani batsmen were seen somehow negotiating with the ball in the initial session.

But as the practice sessions progressed, they got better in handling the short stuff combined with the high-end bouncy stuff. With such good preparation, one would expect Pakistan to come up with an impressive show. A lot of eyes will be on pacer Wahab Riaz. He had tormented Australian batsman Shane Watson with a deadly spell when the two sides met down under last year in the World Cup. He is eager to take the challenge as well.

Another pacer who will have a lot of eyeballs glued to him will be Mohammad Amir. He has not been at his very best since his return to international cricket. He will be keen to change that record. Pakistan will take on Australia in the first Test, a day-night one, at Brisbane on December 15.