What Defines a Good Cricket Pitch? Not Always What You Expect

When people refer to a “good pitch,” they typically mean one that is favorable for batting. However, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee exciting cricket. Take England’s massive 823-7 declaration on the flat first-Test pitch in Multan—it was entertaining for its sheer absurdity but lacked the crucial balance between bat and ball that makes a contest gripping.

Conversely, pitches that challenge both teams can lead to far more compelling matches. Pakistan’s victory in the second Test is a case in point. It wasn’t a perfect surface by any means, but it provided the help they needed to level the series against an in-form England.

At its core, a good pitch should create conditions that allow the best team to prevail. On a true surface, skilled batters are less prone to mistakes, while the best bowlers have the tools to take wickets. In the second Test, Pakistan’s decision to reuse the worn pitch from the first match was a nod to England’s swashbuckling style—it was an acknowledgment that they needed to take measures to level the playing field.

In fact, by the time the second Test began, that 22-yard strip had already seen nine days of action, making it one of the most difficult surfaces Pakistan has hosted since Test cricket’s return to the country in 2019. It was even ranked among the top 10% toughest pitches in global Test cricket over the past 190 matches.

While the toss was crucial, with both captains admitting its significance, to say the result was purely down to that would be misleading. England had their opportunities to win, but familiar mistakes crept in. Their poor use of DRS, a batting collapse after a strong start, and dropped catches were pivotal moments that cost them dearly.

Despite these missteps, there were positives for England. Brydon Carse showed immense potential as a bowler, and Ben Stokes’ return from injury was a boost for the team’s morale. Yet, England’s struggles against spin continue—a trend that has haunted them in subcontinental conditions over the past few years.

As the series moves to the decider in Rawalpindi, there’s no doubt the groundsmen are under pressure to prepare another spin-friendly pitch. For England, this challenge offers a chance for redemption, while Pakistan will look to build on their momentum and claim the series win. Either way, the pitch will once again play a key role in shaping the contest.