KARACHI: Pakistan men’s white-ball cricket team head coach Mike Hesson on Monday addressed criticism surrounding the use of spin-friendly pitches in the three-match home one-day series against Australia till June 4.
The Green Shirts’ 1-0 series lead after a hard-fought win in a low-scoring opener is crucial for them as they prepare for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Despite the win, cricket pundits questioned the spin-friendly pitch and instead suggested that the mega event be played on pace-friendly surfaces, particularly in South Africa.
Hesson, however, dismissed the “myth” that all pitches in South Africa are fast and boundary, while pointing out that the other two host nations, Zimbabwe and Namibia, favor spin.
“I’ve heard quite a bit of buzz about the pitches in Pakistan not being the best preparation for the World Cup in South Africa. It’s actually a topic I talked about on a recent (PCB podcast),” Hesson wrote on X.
“Firstly, the World Cup is jointly hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Zimbabwe and Namibia have stadiums where spin is a big factor and we will play matches in those countries.
“The myth that all pitches in South Africa are fast and boundary is not true; there are certainly some but they vary across the country.”
He also cited Pakistan’s recent away ODI series against South Africa in late 2024, the opening game of which was dominated by the spinners in Parl, insisting that the Pakistan management will study thoroughly and use its findings to prepare for different conditions.
“Those who remember the last ODI series Pakistan played in SA where spin dictated the outcome of the game. We (have) done significant research and will certainly use it over the next 18 months to prepare for different conditions.”
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