Test great Ian Healy says Perth pitch for first Test was too risky to bat on

Batters being hit on the body and Pakistan all out for just 89 have created serious ongoing concerns over the Perth pitch as a host for the opening Test of the summer.

The “volatile” Perth pitch has to be fixed or the opening Test of the summer should be returned to the more “trustworthy” wicket at the Gabba in Brisbane according to Australian great Ian Healy.

Poor crowds and an extreme amount of deterioration which even surprised the touring Pakistan team has cast doubt over whether Optus Stadium should again be given hosting rights for the first international match of the summer.

A staggering 18 wickets fell on the fourth day, after just 12 across the opening two days, with Pakistan rolled for just 89 in the second innings as all batters, even the Australian’s struggled with the variable bounce and sideways movement.

Marnus Labuschagne was hit on the finger and sent for scans, and Steve Smith copped a nasty blow late on day three before Usman Khawaja was also hit on the arm and Mitch Marsh struck on the helmet twice on what was the final day.

While happy to take another victory for the Aussies at the new ground, which some have suggested could become the home team’s new fortress, even captain Pat Cummins conceded it was a “ probably a bit more challenging” than both teams would have liked.

“It probably broke up, today in particular, a lot more than I thought it would. There were big cracks and there was a bit more up and down than I was expecting,” he said after the swift conclusion on day four.

Marnus Labuschagne inspects his injured finger (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) /

“But overall I thought it was a good wicket … It’s probably a bit more (challenging) than you ideally want for a day-four wicket.”

Former Test keeper Healy pointed to preparation issues and with his Queensland hat on suggested the Gabba, where Australia has traditionally begun the home summer and with great success, could be a better option.

“I think it’s a little bit volatile;le, quite a risky pitch,” he told SEN.

“Even though it was moist and green on day one they have real trouble keeping that moisture in the pitch then it cracks up way too early, on day three, the Aussies were having trouble, up and down bounce, and hitting the body.

“When you hear batsmen say you need a little bit of luck and take a few on the body and you might get through, that is day five stuff. I think they’ve got to find a way to retain moisture in that pitch it’s a more trustworthy surface.

Usman Khawaja of Australia reacts after being struck (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“I think the Gabba is the most trustworthy surface you can start a season on. It bounces, it seams, it can swing and the spinners can bowl OK on and it and the batsmen make runs on it. I think Perth was a little too volatile for everyone’s liking. “

Pakistan coach Mohammad Hafeez wasn’t happy with how quickly the wicket became challenging.

“The amount of deterioration we witnessed, I wasn’t expecting that much because on the fourth day the deterioration in the pitch was really high,” he said.

“We believe it was a good toss to the win for Australia. They managed to put runs on the board and then obviously batting in the fourth innings and on the fourth and fifth day is going to be a real challenge and we couldn’t do that, to be honest.”