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Pakistan makes a day drawing with India |
Throughout the course of this series, there have been many peaks and troughs for both sides. However, Pakistan depart for Bangalore, egos slightly battered, the series intact and a migraine on the makeup of their best XI.
Their pre-match planning was rocked by viruses, the makeshift skipper was nonplussed in not being a formal part of the decision making process and, therefore, was unable to prepare a concerted plan with a starting line up of his wont.
Whilst we cannot legislate for injury or illness, there must be adequate backup plans and resources available. First choice Rao Iftikhar, who appeared in the ODI series, jokingly had a single entry permit, so, Yasir Arafat was summoned at the 11th hour, as the only player with a current visa for India, and ended up carrying the drinks.
One hopes that there are lessons to be learnt for the future. That’s on the assumption of any officials being sat in PCB HQ and not on their normal jaunts.
India won the toss and opted to bat first on a wicket, which looked devoid of any pace and would suit the batsmen. Pakistan’s temporary commander went onto the field, with Shoaib, Sami and Misbah, cleared to play.
After Karthik’s immediate dismissal, the first session belonged to India, as Jaffer and Dravid put on 102. The rest of the day belonged to Mumbai’s Wasim Jaffer.
I wrote in my last piece of how he adapted his technique after being exposed in Delhi. The slightly framed but elegant opener cruised to his 5th Test ton in 150 balls, whilst Tendulkar quietly went about his business for 82, prior to being bamboozled by Kaneria. India closed on 352-3 on Day I with Jaffer undefeated on 192.
Wasim’s second reincarnation as a Test match cricketer has been remarkable, run fested and highly productive. He played some quality shots, was never troubled against a weak attack and went onto to claim his second Test double before prodding at Tanvir.
There was still time for local hero, Ganguly and Laxman to notch up their respective hundreds as India rattled up an imposing 616. Pakistan’s attack was below average and critically Shoaib’s involvement was distinctly uninspiring.
Commencing the third day at 50-1, Pakistan’s effort had to be dedicated and based upon a combined reliance to occupy the crease. The other factor would be coping with a slow turning wicket and India’s more experiences spin duo.
This entry was posted on Saturday, December 8th, 2007 and is filed under Pakistan Cricket. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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