PAK vs AUS | PCB seeks the services of ex-MCG curator ahead of Lahore Test

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought the services of the ex-MCG curator Mr. Toby Lumsden for a period of ten days to supervise the preparation of the pitch of the iconic Gaddafi stadium ahead of the third Test between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore. Mr. Lumsden, who has worked as the ICC academy curator in the past, is also expected to provide his valuable insights as well as assistance to the local curators in order to mend the process of pitch preparation in Pakistan. 

This series was certainly expected to provide a nail-biting experience to the viewers, but the pitches have made it a completely dull one for the audience across the globe. The flat deck at Rawalpindi was heavily criticised as it had absolutely nothing for the bowlers and therefore was rated ‘below average’ by the ICC which got the venue a demerit point. 

Statistically, a total of 1187 runs was scored and the bowlers from both sides could pick only 14 wickets across five days in the first test, which signifies how unresponsive the track was for the bowlers. Further, the pitch in Karachi was supposed to be a more-lively one, but it seems to have been on a slower side so far. 

Overall, the PCB has realised the need to make the conditions of the pitches across the country better and the decision to seek help from Mr. Lumsden comes in as a significant first step in this regard. Also, the PCB chairman Mr. Ramiz Raja is set to install two readymade drop-in pitches from Australia in Lahore and Karachi as early as next year. This is aimed at helping the Pakistani players get a feel of the alien conditions at home, thereby making it easier for them to cope with the foreign conditions.

Lumsden started working at the ICC Academy in 2010 and held the position for two years before rejoining in 2017 as the head curator.