Dubai wicket seen as a model for Test cricket

Dubai: The Dubai International Cricket Stadium wicket has been hailed as an ideal wicket for Test cricket. So sporting has it been for both England and Pakistan teams that it is being seen as a model wicket to generate interest in Test cricket.

Though it has given a tough time for both the teams, the first as well as the third Test match were exciting for the fans.

Many felt that when Pakistan was bowled out for 99 in the first innings the wicket would be blamed for the batsmen's poor show.

When Graeme Swann was asked about the wicket as to whether 16 wickets falling on the first day had anything to do with the quality of the wicket, he said: "The pitch is exceptional. I think the first day was one of those freak days. If anyone said that the wicket was not a good pitch, he knows nothing about cricket."

Swann even said that the wicket is ideal for Test cricket. "It was a fantastic cricket wicket. It did just enough to get the edge, just enough to get LBWs. We got wickets on the first day because we bowled superbly on that day. Though the wicket has been beaten by the Sun for the last couple of days the wicket is exceptional with the odd ball turning."

Younus Khan, who batted superbly for his century said: "I think the pitch is equal for both teams. Both teams have good bowling combination and the pitch has been ideal for both teams,"

England middle order batsman Ian Bell wants Dubai wicket to the considered as a good example for Test cricket.

All praise

"The pitch is fantastic for Test cricket. It is this kind of wicket you need. You don't want to see a pitch that offers 600 runs for good exciting Test matches. My team has no complaint about the pitches, it's been fantastic."

England pacer James Anderson was also among the first to praise the wicket after 16 wickets fell on the first day. "Looking at the pitch before the start one could never say it was a 16 wickets a day wicket. You can get wickets here only if you bowl in the right areas."