England-like pitches for Pakistan to prepare for CT

Karachi: Stung by the Pakistan`s inconsistent performances in South Africa, the PCB has ordered preparation of pitches similar to the ones in England so that the team can prepare well for the Champions trophy.

A PCB official said Chairman Zaka Ashraf after discussion with the national selectors and team management decided that special pitches be prepared for the national camp. "Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq initially suggested having a month-long training camp before the team leaves for Ireland and England for a one-day series against Ireland and Scotland and then the Champions Trophy. "Ashraf agreed to this suggestion and has now issued instructions that special pitches be prepared for the camp which should be similar in nature to the ones found in England," the official said. He said the idea was to allow the players to acclimatize to the sort of pitches they will find in the Champions Trophy. "Having learnt from the experience of the South African tour the board now wants the players have a proper chance to prepare for the England tour," he said. The official also confirmed that the board would now fast track the process of appointing a batting coach with the team. "The appointment will be made now in a week or two so that he is available for the training camp," he added. He said that the Board was ready to look at both foreign and local candidates. PTI