For Once SLC got Right

The Series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka gave the cricketers the best pitches for a series for a long time in Sub continent. This Series shown the world, Test cricket is not about batters not about fast bowlers and spinners but combination of all. There is always talk about the behavior of the pitch in the end of every match and how they contribute to the survival of Test cricket. This Series had shown the world an indication of how it should be done.

The Galle pitch where the first match was, is a  spinner friendly track with lot of assistants for spinners and as always produces a result. It also test the skills of batsman against spinners more than the fast bowlers. In Galle Snagakkara and Dilshan showed how to score runs in discipline manner in a turning track.The SSC  pitch was Batting friendly one and help all the batsman to score runs freely. Even though match ended in a dull draw full five days play may have change the result.

 The SSC pitch test the bowlers and every one fall short baring Junaid Khan. So SSC had given different challenge for the players. In SSC many batsman scored hundreds but one bowler shown true coluors by picking wickets in batting pitch and showing the world what requires taking wicket in batting pitches. So it is unfair to blame the curator for nature of the pitch, which tested the different skills of players.

Third test is currently playing in Pallekale and first day of the test saw 13 wickets fell. In Pallekale Fast bowlers got lot of assistance and batters needed lot of skills to even survive in this track. It is unfortunate second day of the test was washed out, but the challenge offered in the pitch is wonderful to watch. When considered the pitches the team which win the series needs to have an all round team to play in all condition to win matches. It is normally the spinners who win the matches in subcontinent. But this series change the complexion by producing three different tracks for the three matches. It always good to have home advantage but it should not necessarily determine the winners. It is time to all boards and ICC to look at pitches to ensure the survival of test cricket. SLC should be commended for producing these tracks to ensure viewers are seeing best cricket.