The ICC on Tuesday termed the pitch in the first Test between England and Pakistan in Rawalpindi as below average, which did not provide any help to the bowlers. Seven centuries came in that match, and England won by 74 runs after scoring 506 for four on the first day. England scored 657 runs for four wickets in the match. This stadium also had to bear a demerit point. For the second time within eight months, the stadium has been given demerit points. The pitch in the first Test between Pakistan and Australia in March was also rated as below average.
According to a release issued by the ICC, “The pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been rated by the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, Andy Pycroft, as below average.” One demerit point was imposed on this under the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring process. Pycroft said in his assessment, “The bowlers did not get any help from this pitch.” This is the reason why the batsmen scored fast and a lot of runs. The pitch didn’t even break during the match.” If the pitch is below average, the stadium has to bear one demerit point, while three and five demerit points are imposed if the pitch is declared bad or unfit. A total of five demerit points means the ground cannot host international cricket for one year, and a total of ten demerit points leads to a suspension of two years.
