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Sharjah curator hailed for excellent pitch
DUBAI - The third Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a draw but it was not a drab draw.
- PUBLISHED: Fri 11 Nov 2011, 12:18 AM UPDATED: Wed 27 Mar 2024, 12:18 PM
Had rain not intervened there were chances of a result in the match.
Sri Lanka's declaration was a bold one but Pakistan who were one up in the series took a defensive approach to draw the match.
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Mazhar Khan, coordinator Sharjah Cricket Club, was full of praise for the curator Mohammad Jameel for providing a pitch that had something for the bowlers and batsmen alike.
On the sidelines of the ceremony to fete the Pakistan team in Dubai, Mazhar said: “Hats off to the curator Mohammad Jameel for preparing a wonderful pitch.
“We were confident the wicket would play fine and it turned out to be true. The match ended in a draw but fortunes kept changing.
“The ground is in perfect condition and it shows how much the Bukhatir family is keen to bring international cricket back to Sharjah.
“After renovating the facilities, Sharjah meets the ICC standards and has resulted in the venue being ready for international matches.”
The curator has been attached with the ground for 30 years and he has never missed an international match at the ground.
While talking to Khaleej Times Jameel said: “I have tried my best to prepare a batsmen-friendly pitch.
“It might play straight for the first three days and the spinners may find something in it during the last two days.”
He proved right as the batsmen scored centuries and the bowlers were paid for their hardwork.
Result-oriented pitches are the need of the day especially when Test cricket is fighting for survival in this age of T20s.
The ICC should look into the matter to save the longer version of the game.
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com