Stand-in South African captain Aiden Markram stated that Pakistan is entirely justified in preparing extreme turning wickets for their upcoming two-test series, which begins in Lahore on Sunday. This approach mirrors the strategy Pakistan successfully employed last year to defeat England.
That 2-1 series victory over England was notably aided by the use of large windbreaks, two oversized fans, and six patio heaters to hasten the pitch’s deterioration, creating a surface that provided spinners with significant turn and grip. The tactic proved effective after losing the first test, with England’s captain Ben Stokes later describing the winning conditions as “pretty extreme.”
Markram, who is leading the side in place of the injured regular captain Temba Bavuma, affirmed that such preparations are a legitimate part of the sport. “We saw how things turned out in the English series,” he remarked at a press conference on Saturday. “That was obviously Pakistan’s way of trying to win, and it’s completely fair, and we look forward to that challenge.”
He added that the Proteas have prepared intensively for these conditions, practicing on specially prepared turning wickets during a training camp before their departure. “That’s where most of the focus has been, naturally looking forward to the challenges that Pakistan pose in terms of spin-friendly tracks,” Markram said. “As a team that’s not exposed to those conditions, it’s exciting for us and a great opportunity to get things right in these conditions. We’re trying to put a lot of the focus there, and ultimately put five days of good cricket together for the first Test.”
The South African squad will also be without their primary spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who is missing the first Test as he recovers from a groin strain. “We’ll miss Kesh heaps,” Markram told reporters. “He’s incredible, even when the ball doesn’t spin, so it’s a big loss for us but it’s an opportunity for two or three other new spinners of ours to put their hand up and stake a claim, which is really exciting.”
Spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer, who last played a test two years ago, are now likely to be included in the team.
