As the cricketing world gears up for the first Test clash between Australia and Pakistan (AUS vs PAK) at Optus Stadium, a peculiar training device has taken center stage in the Pakistani nets – a slab of marble. Mohammad Rizwan ingeniously tilted this piece of stone, aiming to acclimate the team to Perth’s renowned extra bounce.
The Optus Stadium pitch is under scrutiny with 10 millimeters of grass left on it, promising a “hard, fast, and bouncy” surface, as indicated by head curator Isaac McDonald. The anticipation is for a fiery wicket that mirrors the famous pace and bounce of the WACA, injecting life into a Test match and adding significance to Western Australia cricket.
The drop-in pitch, resembling the surfaces at the WACA, was moved into Optus Stadium less than three weeks ago. Despite initial concerns about its sluggishness during the Sheffield Shield season, hopes are high for a dynamic pitch given the impending Test match.
AUS vs PAK: Bouncy Perth pitch
In a bid to prepare for the expected challenge, Pakistan has turned to a novel training method. Using a tilted slab of marble in the nets, the team aims to hone their skills in handling the extra bounce that Perth is known for. With a sedate surface in Canberra for their recent four-day match against the Prime Minister’s XI, this innovative training approach demonstrates Pakistan’s adaptability to diverse playing conditions.
Pakistan’s legspinner, Abrar Ahmed, will be sidelined due to a leg injury, paving the way for left-arm spinner Noman Ali to take the stage. The team commenced their preparation with a center-wicket training session at the WACA, strategically gearing up for the anticipated faster pitch at Optus Stadium.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of this unique training experiment, the marble slabs in Pakistan’s nets symbolize the team’s commitment to innovation and readiness to face diverse challenges in the cricketing arena.
