Pakistan failing to take home advantage: Naseem

RAWALPINDI: Naseem Shah (3-93) who turned out to be the best Pakistan bowler admitted that Pakistan had been failing to take home advantage in Test cricket in recent times.

In a media talk, Naseem said that efforts were there to prepare a bowling-friendly wicket but there was nothing there. “I think curators tried their utmost to prepare pacers friendly wicket but barring a few early overs with the new ball, there was nothing there in the wicket. We have not been able to take home advantage -- not only in this Test but other series played in recent times also.”

Naseem maintained that the main reason to include four fast bowlers was to exploit grassy wickets. “We have not been able to prepare a wicket which is suitable for fast bowlers. We have to make adjustments in our strategy to enable the team to take the home advantage.”

The fast bowler said there should be a clear stance. “If we want spin-friendly wickets we must go ahead in that direction. We are nowhere at this point of time when it comes to strategy-making as to how we can win Test matches at home. There is nothing for fast bowlers and nothing even for spinners in the track.”

Naseem said that there was not even reverse swing as too much grass around the wicket kept the ball fresh. The fast bowler had no complaints against the fielders. “I think our fielding was good enough but the pitch took us by surprise.”