Tourists in call to play more Tests

PAKISTAN are lamenting the fact they will only play two Tests in Australia as they become accustomed to facing the harder tracks found Down Under.

This summer’s two-Test series between against Pakistan is the first time the two teams haven’t met over at least three matches in Australia since 1978-79.

Two-Test series have become far more common in the UAE, where the two teams have played a shortened series on Australia’s last two visits.

But there is little doubt teams from the subcontinent struggle to adjust to Australia’s extra bounce.

While batters have to cope with far different challenges to the slow and low wickets of the subcontinent, bowlers are far too often enticed to bowl too short.

Opposition teams often get carried away with the conditions, while Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said touring sides had to learn how long it takes to build pressure on Australian wickets.

Regardless, he would prefer his team play longer Test series in the country, after they went 10 months without a red-ball fixture against any nation.

“Obviously we always love to play more Tests,” captain Azhar Ali said.

“As the Pakistan team, we don’t play too many Tests. That’s not good for any team.

“If we play more Tests, we’ll have a better chance to even adjust to different conditions.

“The last time we played three Tests here, and if you see our batsmen scored hundreds in all Tests.

“This is one country where you can score big runs.”