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Rawalpindi Pitch Under Scrutiny After Drastic First-Session Collapse In Pakistan-England Test

Sakshi Sharma

Rawalpindi Pitch face criticism due to uneven bounce (Source:@joji_39/x.com)Rawalpindi Pitch face criticism due to uneven bounce (Source:@joji_39/x.com)

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The first session of the third Test between Pakistan and England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has raised concerns over the state of the pitch after England suffered a dramatic collapse, slumping from 56-1 to 110-5 by lunch on Day 1. The pitch has drawn significant attention for its unusually inconsistent behavior, particularly in a series-deciding match with the series level at 1-1.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, England captain Ben Stokes, looked to build a strong platform. However, the Rawalpindi surface, offering sharp and uneven turn from the outset, had other plans. 

Pakistan opened the bowling with two spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, marking the first time in Pakistan's Test history that two spinners have been deployed from the start of an innings. Both bowlers remained in the attack throughout the session, exploiting the unpredictable bounce and spin.

Concerns Over Rawalpindi Pitch Quality And ICC Sanctions

The dismissals of Ben Duckett and Joe Root, in particular, raised eyebrows due to the erratic behavior of the pitch. Duckett was bowled by a delivery that barely bounced, a 'pea-shooter' in cricketing terms, while Root was dismissed by a ball that turned sharply and unevenly a highly unusual occurrence in the opening session of a Test match.

The performance of the pitch has prompted questions about its quality and whether it aligns with the ICC guidelines for Test match surfaces. According to the ICC’s playing conditions, a Test pitch should allow for an even contest between bat and ball, with a surface that gradually deteriorates over the course of the match. 

While spin-friendly conditions are expected in the subcontinent, the first-session behavior of the Rawalpindi Stadium pitch may have crossed a critical threshold.

Will ICC Penalise Rawalpindi Pitch?

It is important to note that, as per the ICC’s criteria, a pitch may be deemed 'Unsatisfactory' if it heavily favors bowlers or batters, preventing an even contest. In such a case, the venue could be penalized with a demerit point.

Early signs indicate that the Rawalpindi surface is unlikely to receive a three-point sanction. However, the erratic behavior in the opening session could lead to the pitch being penalised with one demerit point. The match referee will closely assess the conditions throughout the match to determine whether the pitch has created an unfair contest between bat and ball.

All eyes will be on how the pitch evolves throughout the Test match. Will it stabilize or continue to favor spin and uneven bounce? Regardless, Pakistan’s early bowling success has thrown the match wide open, with England already facing an uphill battle on an unpredictable surface.