Cricket

Rizwan predicts Karachi wicket will take turn onwards

By our correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan’s vice-captain and wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan feels that after taking wicket in the dying moments of the first day of the second Test against Australia the hosts have made a slight comeback.
“We made a comeback after picking the wicket in the final overs and if we are able to get them out early tomorrow and then post a good total in the first innings then it could create problems for Australia also,” Rizwan told a virtual post day-1 news conference.
After electing to bat Australia closed the first day at 251-3 with Usman Khawaja batting on 127.
It was Hasan Ali who reduced Australia to 250-3 in the 89th over when he had Steven Smith, held excellently by Faheem Ashraf in the slips for 72.
Rizwan feels that Karachi wicket is as slow like the Pindi wicket but expects a turn in coming days.
“I think its the same slow wicket but turn will be more here and I think it will be result-oriented,” the stumper said.
Asked whether it will be disadvantage for Pakistan if the pitch turns as they would bat in the fourth innings, Rizwan said definitely its Test cricket and there will be negative and positive points.
“We lost the toss but it does not mean that we have surrendered. We will have to bat in the fourth innings and when the team will come out of this stage so it will reach a big stage and even things could be difficult for the visitors,” Rizwan said.
He said toss benefited the visitors.
“Toss benefitted Australia as the outfield was dry and they scored runs on a new ball and posted 100 by lunch. However then we dried up the runs which is not a negative approach and you have to do these things. Our bowlers made a good comeback and on such a pitch you have to play according to the demand,” Rizwan said.
“It’s a beauty of Test cricket that situation fluctuates here,” Rizwan was quick to add.
“Our boys tried their best but when pitch does not back you so nothing is seen,” he said.
About his fingers pain he said that its a sort of pain which is not treated by taking rest. “And you have to bear the pain. I am putting in hundred percent,” Rizwan said.