da betsul： ‘This match could be used as a template for us because we played 15 hard sessions of cricket. And that is needed for any team to draw or win a match’, said Lara
Osman Samiuddin in Multan23-Nov-2006
West Indies could have pushed for a win if they had held on to more catches, especially one off Mohammad Yousuf who went on to make 191 © AFP
For a side that has lost 16 of its last 25 Tests, a draw is something tograsp onto. Pakistan may have held on to draw the second Test at Multan,but it will be West Indies who leave the city with jaunty strides.Home advantage had long ceased to matter but it is away from the Caribbean whereproblems have been particularly acute, just one draw in the last 13 andthe rest losses. Through that prism, this result – and particularly themanner of it – was understandably viewed by Brian Lara as significant. A four-day drubbing in Lahore only last week made it more so. “AfterLahore, maybe a little corner was turned,” said Lara. “This match could be used as atemplate for us because we played 15 hard sessions of cricket. And that isneeded for any team to draw or win a match.”Until the final sessions, in fact, West Indies dominated the Test. Had acouple of tight decisions gone their way and two chances held on the lastday, including one off Mohammad Yousuf who went on to make 191, a famousresult was in hand. “The dropped catches were disappointing and it issomething that we have to work on,” Lara admitted. “The old saying thatcatches win matches is true and we did not take the chances that werepresented to us. We have to work on that before the next Test and it iseven more important because the World Cup is about to happen and fielding plays a very important role in ODI cricket.”The dropped catches, in particular, would have been doubly annoyingbecause opportunities for bowlers were few and far between on thissurface. Though this was only the first draw (in five Tests) on thisground, Multan’s reputation for offering batsmen runs is alreadyenshrined; it was here Virender Sehwag made his famous triple-century,Sachin Tendulkar an unbeaten 194 and last year Marcus Trescothick added192.
‘This match could be used as a template for us because we played 15 hard sessions of cricket. And that is needed for any team to draw or win a match,’ said Lara © AFP
On all five days, wickets fell in bunches during the morning session,after which the track flattened out and Lara was keen that the surface inKarachi, venue for the final Test from November 27, offers more tobowlers. “This was a batting track from day one. The bowlers toiled andfound success on it which was a very good performance but it was difficult after the first20-25 overs of the new ball and the morning freshness.That period was a major factor in the game and after lunch, for theremainder of the day, it became easier to bat. I don’t think the pitch isa real test of skill. Batters had it far easier than bowlers and we shouldsee pitches that offer more of a test to batsmen. Hopefully we can seethat in Karachi.”If one is to be found, then more success may await Jerome Taylor, CoreyCollymore and Daren Powell. The three threatened through the day andthough a win wasn’t the sum, Lara recognized their tireless efforts. “Thebowling of Taylor, Collymore and even Powell were highlights for us. Theybowled really, really well. It was always going to be tough playingagainst a team that was playing for the draw. The luck didn’t go with usand there were a few dropped chances but I can’t fault the bowlers fortheir efforts at all.”I can’t fault any of the guys for the effort at all. I am very, veryproud of them. The performances were exceptionally good after playing inLahore; after spending the fifth day in Lahore practicing, we were pushingfor a win here. So I am optimistic about our chances in Karachi.”When a local reporter asked him whether he would visit again, Lara jokedthat it was unlikely: “It’s tough. Are there any beaches here for beachcricket?” And even though this won’t be remembered as the most thrillingof draws, in time to come the tourists might hope to remember Multan as aturning point in their fortunes.