No Need to Rejoice; Just a Face Saving
WINNING the second and the last test of a test series by a big margin of 196 runs after having lost the first might appear to be a great comeback but realistic analysis would tell that only a little honour was restored.
Pakistan lost the only T20 but after winning the first 3 ODIs, they were expected not only to make a clean sweep of the ODI series but also the two test series; as expected at the start of the tour. Winning the Test series in the Caribbean would have etched the name of this side in history as no Pakistani side had ever achieved this feat before.
In the absence of batsman Chris Gayle, all rounder Pollard and fast bowler Jerome Taylor, all due to IPL commitments, no one gave the Windies any chance. They salvaged pride in the ODI series by winning the last two games but the victory in the first test was even sweeter. It was their first in the largest format after as many as 17 tests.
For Pakistan, the batting flopped apart from the second innings of the second test where the clumsy catching of the opponents contributed in no small measure. Fielding was generally poor.
The performance of wicket keeper, making his debut at the ripe age of 30, was at the best just ordinary.
In bowling, among the fast bowlers only Wahab Riaz had a good run in most of the innings. But he was far below the expectations raised after his exploits at the World Cup. Spin bowling was perhaps the only satisfactory department. All three, Ajmal, Rehman and Hafeez put the hosts under relentless pressure throughout with the first named almost unplayable. He richly deserved the man of the series award.
Though doubts about his bowling action have again been raised, this time by the legendary fast bowler and now a popular commentator Michael Holding.
But the overall honours lied with the West Indies who belied their rankings in all the three formats against Pakistan despite being depleted.
http://www.pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=94617
