Day one of the second Test day belonged to Pakistan. Inzamam ul-Haq has been under a lot of pressure in the past few days, but he started the game on the right note by bringing in Kaneria and Umar Gul. Saqlain looked tired at Multan and Razzaq had most of Pakistan wondering whether he was a batsman or bowler. Kaneria on the other hand seemed hungry for wickets and Umar Gul’s was a terrific selection. In my earlier column, I had written that sheer pace was never going to worry the Indians, but adherence to the basics would. Umar Gul did just that by varying his pace and landing the ball in the right areas on a wicket that had something in it for the bowlers. The inclusion of these talented youngsters lent a more balanced look to the team, and it is a step in the right direction for Pakistan cricket.
Umar Gul proved that sheer pace is not everything. Contrast his performance with a semi new-ball, with the manner in which his seniors Sami and Shoaib used the new ball. It was not amusing to see both of them feed Sehwag’s strength outside the off-stump time and again. Sami tried a little too hard, and the failure on his and Shoaib’s part to support Gul resulted in India getting to 287 after being 147-7 at one stage. Shoaib needs a break. If the reports about his “threat” to pull out of the Test are true, then I think Javed Miandad made a mistake by “requesting” him to play. Had I been the coach, I would have told him to pack his bags and go home, and played a youngster who would at least give it more than hundred percent. Yuvraj played him well, and even Pathan handled him with ease. The point is that Shoaib cannot just go on talking. He needs to translate his words into deeds.
The Indians were obviously overconfident after the victory at Multan. They played reckless shots to good balls and paid the price. However, they would have been heartened by the partnership between Yuvraj and Pathan.
In losing just one wicket and crossing the 50-mark before draw of stumps, Pakistan have moved into a position of strength. They have a lot of batting to come and their seniors Inzamam and Youhanna are in good nick. All they need is a big partnership that will put an enormous amount of pressure on their opponents.
