The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : In the role of a rescuer

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Tuesday, Dec 04, 2007
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In the role of a rescuer

Amitbha Das Sharma

KOLKATA: Misbah-ul-Haq feels he is getting habituated to the role of a rescuer for Pakistan. His self-assurance translated into an unbeaten 161 at the Eden Gardens on Monday.

His effort, while fetching him the maiden Test century of his career, pulled Pakistan out from the brink of defeat. “The psychological advantage is back with us,” he said.

Agreeing that he is getting accustomed to his trouble-shooting role, Misbah said he was relieved that he could succeed in his task.

Cautious optimism

Having spent a long period in oblivion, Misbah presented a cautious optimism. “I am always trying to better my batting and I wish to improve steadily day by day,” he said.

Praising Kamran Akmal for his “extra-ordinary innings” on Sunday, Misbah said the session after tea on Sunday was the most challenging part of his innings.

Misbah said Pakistan scored a psychological win having overhauled the follow-on target. “India batted well and put up a big score. We fought back and I think this will re-establish our confidence level,” he said. “If we can survive this match we will definitely play better in the next match (at Bangalore),” he added.

For India a draw definitely will appear a poor bargain in the end. Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the wicket might change drastically on the final day.

This is fuelling hope in the Indian camp. “The wicket is responding to spinners. As it happens in the subcontinent, the wickets change considerably on the final. Let’s see what happens,” he said.

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