Pakistan Batters Request Flat Pitch, Coach Gillespie Rejects

Pakistan's cricket team is facing a dilemma as they prepare for their upcoming Test series against England. The batters have reportedly requested coach Jason Gillespie to instruct groundsmen to prepare a flat pitch, while former cricketer Basit Ali claims Gillespie has rejected this request.

Pakistan's batting unit has struggled in recent times, particularly in their 0-2 whitewash against Bangladesh at home. The batters believe a flat pitch would increase their chances of scoring runs against England's formidable bowling attack.

However, Gillespie is reportedly not in favor of completely removing grass from the pitch. He believes a grassy surface would provide more assistance to Pakistan's bowlers, who have also been underperforming.

"I will give you an inside story. Jason Gillespie has handed a shut-up call to Pakistan batters. He wants the pitch to remain the same that has been prepared by the groundsman," Ali said on his YouTube channel.

"Pakistan batters wanted to cut off the grass to make it a flat pitch. The pitch curator and Gillespie want to play on the same pitch. I would be really happy if the match took place on a grassy surface and our bowlers took wickets," he added.

England, who swept aside Pakistan 3-0 in their previous visit in 2022, will be looking to replicate their success. Veteran batsman Joe Root believes the team's previous experience in Pakistan will be beneficial.

"Yes, that series has helped us prepare for the coming matches and we have a plan on how to play here. But this is a new series and we have to play well again to win again in Pakistan," Root said.

"We learned a few things from that series, but (playing against) Pakistan at home is a challenge. Pakistan can definitely take advantage of their home conditions and we also have a couple of new young players eager to establish themselves. It should be an interesting series," he added.

Pakistan's cricket team is under pressure to perform after their recent struggles. The Test series against England will be a crucial test for the team and their coach, Jason Gillespie.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #EnglandCricket, #TestSeries, #PitchControversy, #JasonGillespie