Pakistan Men’s Head Coach Mike Hesson has responded to criticism regarding the spin-friendly pitch used in the first ODI against Australia on May 30 in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan secured a five-wicket victory, with spinners bowling 62.3 overs out of a total of 86.4, taking 11 of the 15 wickets. Australia was all out for 200, and debuting left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas claimed five wickets. Four spinners featured in Pakistan’s lineup, while Australia relied on part-time spinners Matt Short, Matt Renshaw, and Marnus Labuschagne. The low and slow pitch received mixed reactions from experts and fans.
In defense of the pitch, Hesson highlighted that upcoming venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia, which will co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup with South Africa, will also support spin bowling. He noted that the assumption of all South African pitches being fast and bouncy does not hold true, as conditions vary across the country.
“I’ve been hearing some discussion about the pitches here in Pakistan not being suitable for the World Cup in South Africa. I actually discussed this on the latest #PCB podcast,” Hesson stated on a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“The World Cup is co-hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Zimbabwe and Namibia have venues where spin plays a significant role, and we will have matches there. The idea that all pitches in South Africa are quick and bouncy is a myth; while some are, the conditions vary,” he added.