The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Moisture did the trick: Pathan

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Monday, Jan 30, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Moisture did the trick: Pathan

Special Correspondent

Karachi: Irfan Pathan attributed his success to the moisture in the wicket. "When I had a look at the wicket in the morning, I could see it was a little damp. The ball was doing a lot. To have a first over like this is a dream for anyone," he said.

On his outstanding hat-trick ball to Mohammad Yousuf, Pathan said: "I have been on a hat-trick twice before and didn't get it then. So I just told myself that I'll bowl straight and I got lucky."

On the criticism he has faced on this tour for lack-lustre bowling performances, he said: "When you set yourself high standards and don't live upto them then people will talk. Some will try to encourage, others will be excited by my failures. But I am not too bothered by what is said. Everyone knows that the first two matches were played on flat wickets and not a lot was happening for the bowlers."

Much advice has been offered to him from the past greats. Pathan said he had not changed his technique. "The advice from Greg (Chappell) was simple. To just go out there and bowl. Clear my mind of everything else. He didn't think I was doing anything wrong and he was very supportive."

About notching up a hundred in a pressure situation, Pakistan's Kamran

Akmal said: "Inzamam bhai just asked me to play my natural game and not think too much about the situation. I just did that."

The wicket-keeper batsman said the pitch would continue to assist the pacemen. "The first hour of the day will be crucial," he said.

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