Dubai pitches worry Misbah after crushing Sri Lanka defeat

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq expressed his disappointment at not getting turning pitches to play up to his team's strength after suffering a heavy defeat by Sri Lanka in Dubai today.
Pakistan went down by nine wickets in the second Test to concede a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi.
That defeat was largely due to the ineffectivenesss of Pakistan's main weapon Saeed Ajmal, with the off-spinner having bagged only five wickets to show in the two Tests.
Ajmal went wicketless in his 49 overs in the second innings of the first Test.

In contrast he took 18 when Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in a three-Test series in United Arab Emirates in 2011.
Misbah admitted that the pitches were disappointing.

"Obviously, we are not getting support as per our strength (of spinners) and that is a worry for us," said a visibly upset Pakistan captain, whose team also lost to South Africa at the same pitch three months ago.
"Obviously groundsmen are preparing pitches but as far as satisfaction, it's not there because we have not given instructions of such flat tracks.
"Maybe the groundsmen want to make (our) kind of pitch but they are not able to do that. It is surprising that there was no break here on the pitch, not even on the fifth day and it's surprising."

Pakistan lost a crucial toss and were bowled out for a paltry 165 in their first innings on a pitch that helped seamers.
Sri Lanka gained a big 223-run lead with experienced batsman Mahela Jayawardene notching 129.
Pakistan fought hard to score 359 in their second innings but Sri Lanka knocked off the meager 137-run target for the loss of one wicket for their biggest win over Pakistan in 45 Tests.
"Once we lost the crucial toss, as there was lot of moisture on the pitch, we could not really get back in the Test match," admitted Misbah, who scored 97 in the second innings.