By Faraz Shaukat
October 8 2002

Pakistan lost the first test against Australia by 41 runs. Needing just over 130 runs on the last day with seven wickets in hand, Pakistan were unable to handle the mind games and sustained pressure applied by this resilient and experienced opposition. However, the positives were on Pakistan’s side. Its not often that one is happy and content to see a Pakistan side lose, but on this occasion the Pakistan fans should be quite satisfied with their team’s performance. Who could have thought that after the first day with Australia pilling on 330 runs for the loss of only 5 wickets that the match would stretch out to the fifth day (rain interruptions included!) This sentiments were further confirmed when Pakistan were 2/4! However, fighting middle order knocks and patient and then fiery bowling by Pakistan had bought them well and truly back into the match.

It would be safe to say that Waqar has deteriorated completely as a fast bowler, talking about his past achievements and hoping he could produce something similar nowadays is wishful thinking at the broadest level. One could only dream of Wasim achieving such heights these days and that also at a rarity. So to see Waqar running in trying to bounce the likes of Hayden and Ponting is quite shocking, he must concentrate on bowling to a line nowadays and should even consider not opening the bowling when you have two younger and faster bowlers in the side.

However, his fighting spirit should never be undermined, his zest to produce the best out of his team mates is really attractive and it has resulted in this young team fighting tooth and nail against Australia. The second innings is an excellent case in point, Waqar finally resorted to maintaining a good line that slowed down the run rate and allowed Saqlain to attack and break the opening partnership that allowed for the total collapse.

As for Pakistan’s batting line up, sure its still very brittle but its has shown that it has the talent to excel at this level and with a bit more time and patience, this side can turn out to be a consistent bunch of performers. For once the side isn’t totally dependent on two batsmen, the talent is fairly equal all the way down the batting order. With Taufeeq at the top, then Younis and Misbah (who’s test spot might be at risk in this series) and then Faisal Iqbal and Rashid Latif. Once Inzi and Youhana are back, I would expect Faisal Iqbal and Taufeeq Omar to be the other regular batsmen in the side. The second opening spot is still up for grabs and Imran Farhat should be given a chance to prove himself.

Saqlain and Shoaib performed brilliantly in this test match both were aware of their roles in the side and realised that it was up to them to get the 20 wickets in this test match. Danish needs to be in the side to assist Saqlain as a off-spinner is not enough pressure against a side which is relatively weak against the turning ball. As for Shoaib, not only did he get those amazing wickets in the second innings, but more amazingly he was not expensive in either innings! Australia gave him all the rest by not trying to attack him at all, mainly due to the fact that he maintained an excellent line and length and gave nothing! Almost McGrath like!

On a more negative note, Waqar still has made some critical errors of judgment, not including Danish on a Sri Lankan wicket was a major mistake, Mohammed Sami was wasted as the third seamer, as he is still not consistent enough to sustain pressure on low and flat wickets. Abdur Razzaq at the number three position is almost ridiculous, sending him ahead of specialist batsmen does show a lack of confidence in his batsmen and that is never a good idea! Doesn’t really matter how in-experienced they are. Sending him to bat at number 3 in the second innings, when we all saw how he was completely mesmerised against Shane Warne was ridiculous, he only increased the pressure on the incoming batsmen, and we could have used him against the new ball when Australia was on the rampage.

Overall, a lot more positives then negatives to take out of this match, Sharjah should now be a very interesting battle. No doubt Australia will watch the tapes of these young batsmen and figure out their weakness and bowl more to a plan. We all remember Yousuf Youhanna scoring heavily in the first test in Brisbane and then being totally figured out for the rest of the series!

A series to look forward to now, Sharjah favours Pakistan hopefully the can come away with the win in the second test and set-up a cliffhanger in the third! Well.. we can always hope!