According to a report of Pakistan-based widely-read newspaper ‘Jang’ has claimed that Pakistan skipper and wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed is unhappy with the Taunton greentop. The report suggested Sarfraz has expressed disappointment after having a first look at the surface.
Besides, Pakistan will take on reigning champions Australia in the fourth World Cup game. The County Ground Taunton will host the game on Wednesday (June 12).
Apparently, Sarfaraz has also complained regarding Team India. He reiterated why the Men in Blue often get featured on the surface which turns out to be quite suitable for batting.
Taunton, to help pacers?
Well, the pitch curator has left some live grass on the Taunton wicket. So, it is highly-likely going to give a tough time to the batters. However, as far as English conditions are concerned things are still in batsmen’s favour.
Thus, the wicket has given a fair amount of idea that it will assist the fast bowlers and would trouble Pakistan batsmen who have had struggled against a short-ball ploy.
Recently, the Windies bowlers rattled Pakistan at 105 when the Men in Green played their World Cup opener at the Trent Bridge in Southampton on May 31st.
Nevertheless, unpredictable Pakistan made a strong comeback only to record a 14-run win over World No 1 ODI team, and World Cup favourites England.
Following the culmination of Pakistan’s game against Sri Lanka which ended up on without a ball being bowled due to inclement weather, left Pakistan players and staff frustrated respectively.
Concurrently, Pakistan is seventh on the points table with three points in three matches.
Besides, in a startling revelation as per Pakistan’s top broadcasting medium Geo News, Sarfraz is thoroughly disappointment for playing on pitches which didn’t favour his team’s game.
While quoting a source, Sarfraz stated that ICC has made Pakistan play on difficult pitches.
Sarfraz complains about India:
However, adding the Indian team has got batting-friendly wickets to make a mark. Well, a source close to Sarfraz added the surfaces have often assisted spinners. But it’s altogether a different set-up for Pakistan.
“The captain has been wondering as to why the Indians always get wickets which are good for batting. And, also suitable for spinners. Such wickets suit Asian teams. However, the Pakistan team is almost always made to play on more challenging surfaces in ICC events like the one at Taunton,” Geo News quoted a source.
Pertinently, it will be the first time for Pakistan to play an ODI match at this particular venue. Earlier, Australia has whitewashed Pakistan in March this year after sealing the series 5-0 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, back then, the team management has rested Sarfraz alongside five other players for the ODI series against Australia.
Recently, Sarfraz also expressed disappointment, after bad weather marred Pakistan’s game against Sri Lanka. Thus, it resulted in a point each for both teams.
Following a win over England, Pakistan camp is in good stead despite facing high-quality Australia in a couple of hours.