"Pakistan still years away from preparing a great Test pitch"- PCB Chairman Ramiz Raza embarrassed after ENG-PAK run feast

The first Test between Pakistan and England has turned into a run feast for the batsmen, with both teams getting 200-plus opening stands in their innings. Batting first, England compiled a huge score of 506/4 on the opening day of the test.

They scored 657 runs in only 101 overs, maintaining a run rate of over 6.5, which is incredible in a test. In reply, Pakistan also managed a 225-run partnership for the first wicket, with both openers Abdullah Shafique (114) and Imam-ul-Haq (121) notching up centuries each for Pakistan.

However, this is not the first time that Pakistan has produced a flat batting track that doesn't have anything for the bowlers. Earlier, during the three-match Test series against Australia, such pitches were used in Rawalpindi and Karachi, which received a lot of criticism throughout.

And now, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raza has also admitted that Pakistan is not able to produce true Test wickets. In an interaction with Cricket Pakistan, he also said that they are yet to crack the code of preparing really good pitches for Tests.

Ramiz said, "I have really not cracked the code regarding a Test match pitch, unfortunately. Absolutely (disappointed with this pitch). I don't (know) what is happening, T20s and ODI, we are fine and pitches don't come under that kind of scrutiny. But we're still years away from preparing a great five-day pitch."

Further, he said that's why he was talking about the drop-in pitches, to produce more bounce in the track. The PCB chief also stated that he is more focused on changing the template for playing test cricket for Pakistan. He added that everyone will rate the team on their test performance at home, and that is what he wants to change.

Pakistan hosted Australia for three Tests earlier this year. After two draws, they lost the third game and also lost the series 1-0. However, the ongoing England series is more important for them to stay alive in the World Test Championship of 2021-23.