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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Benjamin Goddard

Pakistan chiefs branded "disgrace" as England cash in on lifeless Rawalpindi pitch

Fans have branded Pakistan chiefs as being a "disgrace" after England hit a record-breaking 506-4 on the opening day of their first Test.

Pakistan supporters have waited 17 years for England to visit their home country and were left shocked with the lifeless Rawalpindi pitch which made life difficult for their bowlers.

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook all hit centuries as England smashed the Pakistan bowling attack. England posted the highest score ever on the opening day of a Test and quickest to reach 500. While the England attack were delighted with their performance, which included 73 boundaries, the home fans blamed the Pakistan chiefs who had prepared the Rawalpindi pitch.

"This pitch is an absolute disgrace to test cricket," one fan wrote on Twitter. "We waited so long for this series and this is what we got."

Another fan felt sorry for the Pakistan bowling attack with Zahid Mahmood taking the most opening day wickets with 2-160. They added: "Watching Test cricket in Pakistan is nothing short than torture. Such kind of pitches are truly a disgrace to our bowling unit, I feel sorry for them."

Fans have slammed Pakistan chiefs as a 'disgrace' for the lifeless Rawalpindi pitch (Getty Images)

Will England win the series in Pakistan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section

Other fans pointed the blame at former player and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja. This was the second time the PCB has come under fire after supporters had the same criticism when Australia edged a 1-0 victory during their tour in March.

The opening two matches of that series were drawn as flat pitches resulted in high scores and Australia declared on 556-9 during their first innings in the second match.

Ben Duckett celebrates his century during an incredible opening day for England in Pakistan (Getty Images)

One fan wrote: 'Shame on you Ramiz Raja. Cricket is for entertainment if you continue making pitches like this people will stop watching Test cricket in Pakistan.'

Another fan went even further adding: "Pakistan is currently the worst country in the world for hosting a Test match. PCB should be ashamed of their pitch. Disappointing their fans time and time again."

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