'We managed to get 10 wickets': Imam-ul-Haq takes swipe amid pitch fiasco; 'Australia don't make pitches consulting us'

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq came up with a fierce response amid the Rawalpindi pitch fiasco in 1st Test.

Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq scored twin centuries during the first Test against Australia in Rawalpindi. While he slammed 157 in the first innings of the game, he followed the ton with an unbeaten innings of 111 in the second as the game ended in a dull draw at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Throughout the course of the first Test, the condition of the pitch came under a significant scanner with many former Pakistan cricketers, as well as the fans criticising the lifeless nature of the surface.

Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq bats during the 5th day of the first test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Pindi Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. (AP)

After Pakistan declared their first innings on 476/4, the hosts bowled out Australia on 459 – however, by the time Pakistan came to bat again, there wasn't much time remaining in the game to induce a result. Imam, alongside fellow opener Abdullah Shafique (136*) remained unbeaten as Pakistan scored 252/0 before both captains shook hands.

Australia captain Pat Cummins and opener David Warner were also among those being critical of the pitch in Rawalpindi. However, Imam, in a media interaction on Thursday, defended the pitch and also insisted that they had managed to take all 10 wickets on the surface.

“Obviously when it’s a five-day Test everyone anticipates for a result. But when we go to Australian conditions, they don’t make pitches consulting us but make it according to their will so I think we should see our strength and should live up to our strength,” said Imam.

“I think the Rawalpindi Test was played well as we managed to get all 10 wickets."

The Pakistan opener also added that it could have been a different result in the Test had there not been a rain delay.

“Unfortunately 70 overs were not played out due to bad light and rain but had those overs been bowled the result could have been different because we intended to make them bat again,” said the Pakistan opener.