Maharaj’s expected return prompts Pakistan to rethink pitch strategy

RAWALPINDI: The anticipated return of South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting Monday, has prompted Pakistan’s think-tank to rethink its pitch strategy, potentially veering away from the spin-friendly surface.

Highly placed sources told The News that the pitch being prepared for the second Test is unlikely to mirror the Gaddafi Stadium’s raging turner, where Pakistan clinched victory courtesy of Noman Ali’s ten-wicket heroics. Instead, curators are being guided to craft a more balanced track that offers assistance to both pacers and spinners, while allowing batsmen enough time to settle and build innings.

Maharaj’s recovery from injury is a significant boost for the visitors. The seasoned spinner, who boasts 203 wickets in 59 Tests, is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of spin bowling in world cricket. His inclusion has inevitably caused Pakistan’s management to exercise caution in pitch preparation. “Yes, he is available for selection,” Lucy Davey, South Africa cricket team manager told The News.

“We have not received any special instructions so far from the team management,” said one of the curators involved in pitch preparation. “Our focus is to prepare a surface that provides equal opportunities for all, batsmen, pacers, and spinners alike.”

With the weather remaining dry in the twin cities, curators are in a position to fine-tune the wicket’s behavior over the next 48 hours. No fans or drying equipment have been deployed yet, suggesting that natural preparation is being prioritised.

Senior selector Aaqib Javed, who is said to hold a strong voice in technical decisions, was expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday evening to assess conditions and offer final input. A senior team official, when contacted, hinted that Pakistan might resist the temptation to prepare another spin-assisting surface.

“We don’t need a pitch that heavily favors spin. A balanced surface will serve us better, something that offers mild turn, a bit of bounce, and enough carry for pacers. Batsmen will have more freedom to play their shots here, unlike the challenging Lahore track,” he said.

He added that while multiple options are being considered, a supporting track, rather than a turning one, is the likely choice. In terms of team selection, continuity appears to be the preferred approach.

“With Pakistan already one up in the series, and no fitness concerns reported, there’s little reason to alter the winning combination,” the official noted. “The Pindi surface may also aid reverse swing as the innings progresses, which could keep our seamers in play.”

Both Pakistan and South Africa squads arrived in Islamabad from Lahore on Friday evening. Having landed after dusk, players remained indoors to rest and recover. The two sides will resume training at the Islamabad Club Ground on Saturday (today), before shifting to the Rawalpindi Stadium on Sunday for the final session ahead of the series decider.