‘The pitch is very bouncy…’, Wasim Akram warns Pakistan against Perth pitch ahead of first Test vs Australia

New Delhi, Dec 11 : Ahead of the first Test match against Australia, former Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram advised the men-in-green to be cautious of the bouncy Perth pitch, reckoning that it will be a big test for Pakistan in Down Under.

The Pakistan men’s team led by newly appointed Test captain Shah Masood played a four-day warm-up match against Australia PM’s XI in Canberra which was a part of Pakistan’s preparation ahead of their three-match Test series against Australia, slated from December 14 to January 7, 2024.

"Canberra is too early.OK, the captain got 200 .they got some runs, so theres a bit of confidence.(But) new management, new captain.

It will take time, especially at the first Test match in Perth.We know the pitch is very bouncy, a different pitch altogether from Canberra.

Itll be a big Test for this team," Akram was quoted by Perth Now.

Pakistan piled up runs in the practice match in Canberra last week, with captain Shah Masood displaying a fine batting performance scoring an impressive 201* in the first innings, prompting the team to declare at 391 runs with 9 wickets down.

In response, PMs XI displayed a strong batting performance, accumulating 367 runs with 4 wickets lost, resulting in a drawn match.

Akram also pointed out that history is not on Pakistans side as havent produced favorable results Down Under in the past two decades, having failed to register a single victory in Tests.They last claimed a victory on the Australian soil in 1995.

"Australia is a difficult country, the last time Pakistan won here was 1995 (in) a Test series.Its kind of a blessing in disguise, a tough start for a new captain.

But if they do well here and compete against the mighty Australians, that will give them a lot of confidence," said Akram.

Pakistan will lock horns with Pat Cummins-led Australia for the first Test match on December 14 in Perth.

hs/bc