The Hindu : Sport : Pakistan can't be underestimated

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 05, 2005

Sport

Sport

Pakistan can't be underestimated

It's amazing how the hype surrounding an Indian-Pakistan series starts building up. The first Test is still a few days away, but you can already feel the buzz across the country. We felt it when we had gone to Pakistan last year. I am sure Inzy and his boys are beginning to feel it now.

Of course, in Pakistan the intensity of hype was more. After all, we had gone there to play a full series after 15 years, while Pakistan last played a Test series in India six years ago.

This Pakistan team looks very different from the one that Wasim Akram had brought over in 1999. It had some very big stars, experienced campaigners as well as budding youngsters. In comparison, Inzamam leads a rather new-look side. There are plenty of youngsters in this Pakistan side whose talent and exuberance will find full expression as they try and make a name for themselves on this tour. There is no underestimating Inzy and his boys.

I have been quite surprised by the fact that Pakistan agreed to play the tour's only three-day warm-up game at Dharamsala. Don't get me wrong, Dharamsala is a nice little venue. I haven't played there, but I am told the facilities, including the practice wickets, are quite good. It is also one of the most picturesque grounds in this part of the world.

I am surprised because north India usually experiences rain at this time of the year and if the weather does intervene, Pakistan will not get the kind of practice they would have wanted before the first Test in Mohali.

Great experience

Pakistan should otherwise be happy with the venues as the three Test centres where they would be playing are among the best in world. It will be a great experience for the youngsters in their side to play in Mohali, Kolkata and Bangalore before packed galleries.

I am afraid the ODI itinerary will tax the players much. It requires them to traverse the length and breadth of our country and cope with the heat and humidity. Even in the jet-age it can be taxing as there will be no time to rest in between.

Our players have had a nice little break and all of us are slowly getting back into battle-mode after playing in the Duleep Trophy. It gave us the much needed match-practice which is preferable to having prolonged sessions in the nets. The rest would have done our fast bowlers a world of good. They look fit and ready for the battle which is good news. This is one series where we need everyone to fire.

I am looking forward to a gripping series. I am sure the fans won't be disappointed.

(CafeCricket)

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