Cricket Australia (CA)’s Chief Executing Officer (CEO) Nick Hockley responded to Pakistan cricket team’s director Mohammad Hafeez’s comments on Caberra’s pitch where the Green Shirts played a four-day practice match against Prime Minister XI.
Hafeez had shown his disappointment with the pitch provided during the match against PM XI calling it "the slowest pitch" ever received by a visiting side in Down Under.
Hockley responded saying that the game provided a fantastic opportunity for the Green Shirts to get used to the playing conditions.
"The Prime Minister XI game presented a valuable opportunity for Pakistani batters to gain experience in Australian conditions. It's unfortunate that the game couldn't be completed due to significant weather disruptions overnight before the final day of play," Hockley said.
Hockley then went on to talk about the positive aspects of the match as both sides scored big totals which would work as a great confidence booster for the Pakistani side.
"We have witnessed two substantial scores from both sides. This series serves as excellent preparation and a confidence booster for the Pakistan side. The captain's exceptional batting performance, scoring 200, was a testament to their skill and resilience,” he added.
He wasn’t shy to admit Pakistan’s ability to give their all on the field and also praised the way Pakistani fans showed up when the Men in Green played the T20 World Cup 2022 final in Melbourne.
"We are excited about the upcoming Pakistan series. Witnessing the competitiveness of these teams during their last encounter in Pakistan was truly remarkable. The incredible support shown by Pakistan fans when their team reached the finals in the T20 World Cup last year was inspiring," Hockley said.
"We anticipate a tremendous amount of backing from Pakistani fans during the Benaud Qadir Trophy, and we would be delighted to see them in full force in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney," he concluded.
Australia tour schedule
1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)