“It hasn’t had as many demons as maybe now we have thought,” mentioned Potts of the pitch.
“We have seen a pair scuttle low however on the entire, it has been OK. It is on the gradual facet, nevertheless it’s been alright.”
In accordance with information analysts Cricviz, the pitch for the second Check was the third most-difficult on which to bat of all opening-day surfaces in 17 matches since Check cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019.
Nonetheless, that isn’t uncommon. In the identical time interval, solely Sri Lanka has harder day-one pitches than Pakistan (information from India will not be obtainable).
Ayub mentioned: “Some balls had been conserving low so it was tough to bat. You possibly can see the pitch was gradual and turning, double-paced with the quick bowlers.”
The 29-year-old Ghulam added: “It was as tough pitch to bat on. Generally the ball stored low, generally it might flip.”
England’s day may need been higher had an edge from Mohammad Rizwan off the bowling of Potts been detected.
The vacationers opted to not overview and Rizwan, on six on the time, stays unbeaten on 37.
“There was a half-decent noise going previous the bat,” mentioned the 25-year-old Potts, who’s enjoying in his first abroad Check.
“The fellows in entrance of the bat heard the noise and the blokes behind did not hear something. For those who’re not sure about it, it is most likely proper to stay on the opposite facet.
“It is by no means good, little issues like that while you’re working exhausting on the market, however we have created possibilities all through the day and we’ll create possibilities tomorrow as effectively.”