Multan may go either way
The Multan Test seemed headed England's way yesterday, but Pakistan showed why they are a different side nowadays with some good fighting spirit to slowly squeeze their way back to contention at the end of Day 3. After a first innings collapse on a good batting track by Pak, Trescothick was the only England batsman who was in any form to take advantage of the conditions - he scored 193. Bell made the most of his opportunity thanks to Vaughan's injury with a 71, and that man Freddie got 45. 418 was not enough on this pitch, and Pakistan's disciplined response would have caused a few jitters. They are still 19 behind, but with 8 wickets in hand including Inzy and Yousuf Youhana (or Mohammed!), a lead of 250 is not out of question. England's batsmen are out of form at the moment, and may struggle against Kaneria in the 4th innings.
But where is Afridi? He is a dangerous floater with the bat, can be deadly at times with the ball and is a terrific fielder. Does he not fit into Woolmer's scheme of things?
But where is Afridi? He is a dangerous floater with the bat, can be deadly at times with the ball and is a terrific fielder. Does he not fit into Woolmer's scheme of things?
Yes, the bit about us being a different side now-a-days is correct, we do tend to put up a fight now more frequently, instead of just giving up timidly.
However, problem here still is that such spirit only comes in the side after a certain point - lose the first test, then go and win the next one, or do horribly in the first two days of a single test, and only then realise that it's time to play some proper cricket.
This, whilst it does show one good trait (fighting spirit) it doesn't justify the other bad trait: being poor (in fact, very poor) starters. This, at some point, has got to change.
Posted by
Zainub |
10:05 PM
Well, you managed to defeat the Ashes victors! IF Shoaib can remain turned on, Pak could well win this series. They can't seem to pick Kaneria at all. Good for Pak if they can win this series - will set it up nicely for India - Pak early next year.
Posted by
ze rambler |
12:05 PM
Yes, we did over come our 'lose first test in a series' habit this time, which is great, now I want to see us overcome our 'let's just draw this series, we'll win it next time' habbit. :D
I think India Pakistan games are always set up nicely regardless of what ever has happened - a bit like the Ashes in that sense. We'll give you guys a better run for your money this time then we did the last time you came here, we've improved sicne then. The confidence is a whole lot better.
Posted by
Zainub |
12:35 PM