Pakistan's coach Bob Woolmer has refused to blame the groundsmen for the flat track that has produced a plethora of runs in the first Test against India and appears headed for a dull draw.
India were 145 for no loss with Virender Sehwag on 96 after bad light and overcast conditions allowed only 15 overs to be bowled on the weather affected third day after Pakistan had amassed 679 for seven with four hundreds.
"It is obviously frustrating to have weather like this. But you can't blame it on anyone. Neither would I blame anyone for this pitch," Woolmer said.
Woolmer pointed out that winter weather conditions in the lead-up to the series had hampered the work of the groundsmen.
"We all didn't know what we would get because of the cold weather. You need a couple of days of hot sun to allow a pitch to make it turn a bit," he said.
"Every Test team has to put up with what it gets. And I don't think groundsmen get a proper opportunity to prepare a sporting track."
{{/usCountry}}"Every Test team has to put up with what it gets. And I don't think groundsmen get a proper opportunity to prepare a sporting track."
{{/usCountry}}The former England player denied that he or captain Inzamam-ul-Haq had any role to play in the preparation of the pitch.
"My view is clear on this. I give my views but don't like to interfere in anyone's work. I have always stressed on having sporting tracks for test cricket, one which supports both batsmen and bowlers," he said.
"We had three good Test pitches against England and it led to good cricket. You need good pitches for good Test matches. I hope the second Test one is more supportive," he said.