The Hindu : India keeps date with destiny

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 02, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

India keeps date with destiny

By S. Dinakar

THE FACES SAY IT ALL:The Indians huddle after winning the first Test match in Multan on Thursday. — Photos: S. Subramanium & PTI

India 675 for five decl.
Pakistan 407 & 216

MULTAN, APRIL 1. India kept its date with history, achieving its first Test win on the Pakistani soil as it outplayed Pakistan by an innings and 52 runs in the first Test of the Sumsung series at the Multan Cricket Ground on Thursday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

India required only 12 balls on the fifth morning to prise out the last wicket, although it was not the No. 11 Shabbir Ahmed, but Youhana, who fell as the impressive left-arm paceman Irfan Pathan claimed his sixth wicket of the Test, Rahul Dravid taking an easy catch at short square-leg. Pakistan, following on 268 runs behind, had been bowled out for 216.

Dravid began the proceedings with Anil Kumble and Pathan. Youhana took a single off the last ball from the leg-spinner, then spanked Pathan past the long-off fence before perishing to the last ball of the second over of the day. He had stood amid the ruins for Pakistan with a 164-ball 112.

Speaking about the history making catch, Dravid said, "I called for it. Said `me, right'. There was no confusion,'' indicating there was no lack of communication between him and Kumble, who too was well placed to take the catch that signalled the win.

It was way back in 1954-55 that the two countries had met for a Test series in Pakistan for the first time, and since then, India had to endure a long barren run here.

The Indians got together in a trademark huddle, sang, and danced, savouring the occasion. Dravid said more celebrations would follow. "There will be some partying. We have some youngsters in the team. They decide. We (the seniors) follow!''

Momentous win

It was indeed a momentous victory for India — its seventh overseas Test win in less than four years and there were several stirring performances. `Man-of-the-Match' Virender Sehwag's monumental record breaking 309, Tendulkar's 33rd Test hundred, fine bowling by Kumble and Pathan, and some outstanding work on the field by Yuvraj Singh and Akash Chopra. Dravid himself rung in the bowling changes well, and once India put 675 on the board, the side never allowed the pressure on the Pakistani batsmen to ease.

On the positive side for India, Parthiv Patel's wicket-keeping was tidy in the Test though he had been under the scanner before the series. The catches Patel held to dismiss Youhana in the first innings (down the leg-side) and opener Taufeeq Umar in the second ('keeping to Kumble) were creditable efforts.

Pakistan paid the price for lack of application by its batsmen, who despite the need to save a Test, ventured into risky strokes. In the bowling department, the big names failed to deliver.

Saqlain Mushtaq dropped

The axe has already fallen on off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who has been replaced by opening batsman Imran Nazir for the second Test, beginning in Lahore on April 5. This is the lone change in the Pakistan squad.

Kumble, the wrecker-in-chief in the Pakistan second innings with six scalps, has been granted permission by the team management to take a short break. The leg-spinner, who flew back to India on Thursday, along with injured captain Sourav Ganguly, will rejoin the squad on April 3, ahead of the second Test.

Dwelling on a famous win, Dravid said, "It is a special achievement to be able to win the first Test. Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world where we had previously never won a Test, South Africa is the other one. We have been winning consistently away from home over the last four years.''

The Indian captain said the team would not turn complacent. "There are two more Tests remaining. There is a lot of cricket left in the series. A Test series does not end with a win. Pakistan is a good side.''

Asked about his decision to declare the Indian first innings during the post tea session on the second day with Tendulkar unbeaten on 194, Dravid said, "These are matters that we have discussed with each other (him and Tendulkar). I do not think it is an issue. The important thing is to concentrate on success and on what we have achieved. It is a historic and a memorable event for Indian cricket. There are absolutely no differences within the team. Everything has been sorted out amicably.''

He laid emphasis on the collective effort from the Indian team, and lauded the Indian bowlers who took 20 wickets on what he called a `flat pitch.' "Credit to Kumble. He stuck to his job manfully.'' Pointing out to young pacemen Irfan Pathan and L. Balaji, he said "the youngsters stood up to be counted.''

Queried on the turning point of the match, he chose Inzamam-ul-Haq's run-out in the second innings. Talking about Sehwag's phenomenal innings, he said "Sehwag's innings was special and it was a privilege to be here. We had an outstanding first day. That really set up the victory.''

On the injury to Zaheer Khan, and the Indian side being short of a bowler in the second innings, he said, "Teams learn to cope, teams learn to adjust. This is the quality of a good side. Sachin, Sehwag and Yuvraj bowled for us. Made it up.''

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq admitted that the batsmen had failed to apply themselves. "The batsmen did not play with responsibility on this pitch. They did not spend enough time in the middle. In the second innings there was much pressure.''

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