Poor Pitches Take Charm Out Of Test Game

Younis said it did not matter which team won as long as spectators saw competitive and good cricket.

Younis Khan called on Monday for more lively and sporting pitches in Pakistan to encourage fans to go to test matches knowing they will competitive.

"We need to have test pitches which support good and lively cricket and which produce results, wickets on which batsmen need to work hard to score runs. We need to recreate the charm of test cricket," the Pakistan captain said.

Younis, who was unbeaten on 149 at the end of the third day of the first test against Sri Lanka, criticised the pitch on which 940 runs have been scored for loss of just 10 wickets.

"I think there is nothing wrong if the people who prepare pitches in our country educate themselves on how to prepare good test pitches," Younis told reporters.

"How can you expect people to come and watch test cricket when you have such flat pitches," he added, referring to the low turnout for the test, Pakistan's first in 14 months.

Crowd attendance has been poor despite the Pakistan Cricket Board offering free entry to general enclosures and low prices for other stands.

Younis said it did not matter which team won as long as spectators saw competitive and good cricket.

"The team that plays well should win. That is what I say is a good pitch," he said.

"I think maybe people in our country responsible for pitches are scared of losing matches. But we need to be positive if we are to compete with teams like South Africa, Australia and India."