Former England captain Nasser Hussain has voiced his concerns about Pakistan's reliance on used pitches, urging them to seek a more sustainable approach for long-term success.
Hussain's comments followed Pakistan's decisive 152-run victory over England in the second Test in Multan, where spinners dominated the proceedings.
Pakistan's bold decision to use the same pitch from the first Test paid off, as spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali dismantled England, claiming all 20 wickets and leveling the series. The result was a stark contrast to the series opener, where both teams piled on massive first-innings totals before Pakistan faltered in their second innings.
"You cannot tell me that last week was better viewing than this week, you cannot tell me if you are a local in this part of the world that you are going to come in during 40 degree heat and watch 560 play 800. You are going to come in and watch your side play and win on a pitch that offers something," Hussain told Sky Sports at the end of the match.
"This cannot be the template for future cricket in Pakistan, keep playing on the same surface. But they do need to take a look at their surfaces, and if they find a winning formula - stick with it.
"Stick with this squad, stick with these two spinners, stick with the batting line up, stick with the selectors and the captain. Have some kind of consistency because Pakistan Test match cricket needs that," he added.
The former England captain emphasized the importance of consistency in team selection, urging Pakistan to maintain faith in their squad and leadership.
Shan Masood, who recorded his first win as Test captain after replacing Babar Azam last year, had been under pressure following a home whitewash against Bangladesh that saw Pakistan slide in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Reflecting on the match, Hussain added, "The pitch changed around about Day 2 of this match. Even when Duckett was going through that fabulous hundred, there were deliveries that he played that were bouncing up and hitting him on the shoulder."
