2nd Test pitch helpful to bowlers

RAWALPINDI: The playing track for the second Test at the Pindi Stadium has got more purchase and looks suitable for all types of bowlers including spinners, pointed out Salman Ali Agha during his post-day media talk.

“The wicket is quite good for bowlers. There is more lift in the wicket with spinners also getting something out of the wicket even at the start of the Test. It is a bit different from the wicket on which we were played the first Test,” he said. Salman praised Bangladesh for bowling well in a post-lunch session. “Bangladesh bowlers changed their line and length somewhat in a post-lunch session that helped them get regular wickets from there on.”

He admitted that Pakistan wanted to have a bigger total. “There is no denying the fact that every team wants to get even bigger totals. Still, we have got a good total which could have been even better. With the wicket offering support to the bowlers, I think anything could happen.” To a question about the three fifties and no bigger innings by any batsman, Salman said that no batsman wanted to lose wickets at will.

“We all want to play big innings but sometimes you cannot get what you think. The pitch is good for bowlers and as such I feel the total is a fighting one.”

On Babar Azam’s poor run of form where he could not a Test fifty in two years time, Salman said he is a quality batsman and could turn around things any time. “He is a world-class batsman who could turn around the thing any time. Once he starts scoring you will forget everything. He has done it before and would do it again.”

Salman however was confident that Pakistan had good chances on the wicket that is offering assistance to bowlers.

“You never know about the outcome unless you see both teams playing their full innings. We have a good chance on a wicket that has everything for bowlers.”