KARACHI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has brushed aside criticism over the spin-friendly pitches being used in the ongoing ODI series against Australia, insisting that the team’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 are based on extensive research and a variety of playing conditions.
Pakistan currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after securing a hard-fought victory in the low-scoring opening match. However, some cricket analysts questioned whether slow and turning pitches would adequately prepare the team for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Responding to the criticism in a post on X, Hesson said it was a misconception to assume that all South African pitches were fast and bouncy.
I’ve been hearing a bit of chatter about the pitches here in Pakistan not being the ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa. It’s actually a topic I talked about on the latest #PCB podcast.
Firstly the World Cup is jointly hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and…
— Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) June 1, 2026
“I’ve been hearing a bit of chatter about the pitches here in Pakistan not being the ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa,” Hesson wrote.
The Pakistan coach pointed out that the tournament would not be held exclusively in South Africa and that conditions in Zimbabwe and Namibia often favour spin bowling.
“Firstly, the World Cup is jointly hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Zimbabwe and Namibia have venues where spin is a big factor, and we will be playing matches in those countries,” he said.
Hesson also recalled Pakistan’s ODI series in South Africa in late 2024, noting that spin played a decisive role in the match held in Paarl.
“The myth of all pitches in South Africa being quick and bouncy is just not true,” he added.
The New Zealand-born coach assured fans that the Pakistan team management had conducted “significant research” and would use the next 18 months to prepare for different playing conditions ahead of the World Cup.
