Defeated but certainly not disgraced

The first test match between Pakistan and Australia came to a thrilling conclusion on Monday, and though it may have been a bitter disappointment for all Pakistani fans, the Pakistan team can certainly hold its head high for their spirited effort in this test match.

It was a case of so close, yet so far, for Waqar's men as the Australians held their nerve in a tension filled last day. Steve Waugh once again showed why he is regarded as the "ice-man" and kept calm throughout, marshalling his troops to victory in the end. His decision to take the new ball at the crucial juncture on the last day proved to be the killer blow.

However disappointing the defeat may have been for Pakistanis, they have certainly no reason to be ashamed. They fought hard and nearly pulled off victory in a match where it seemed they did not stand a chance.

It was a team full of youngsters with all the big guns missing due to injury or personal reasons, and it was this young brigade that really lead the charge for Pakistan. Taufeeq Umar showed tremendous resilience in his second knock, showing exactly what an opener needs to do, wear out the new ball and then play strokes. He showed the patience other Pakistani openers have not shown in recent times, leaving everything outside off stump and cashing in on every loose ball. One hopes Pakistan may have finally found one answer at least for their dual opening combination.

Faisal Iqbal, appeared to be a dramatically improved cricketer from the time he was last picked to play for Pakistan. A very competent player of spin, he took to Shane Warne with a confidence that one does not normally see and did not hold back against the fast men either. He seems to be oozing with confidence and not the least bit disturbed by the sledging that has become a part of the modern game. An excellent prospect for the Pakistan side, one hopes that the selectors will persist with him for quite a while.

The best part of this test match for Pakistan has firstly been the discovery of talented youngsters who can cover for the likes of Inzamam and Youhana and secondly, the team has rediscovered the inspiration they lacked in recent tournaments.

No praise is enough for the efforts of Shoaib Akhtar and Saqlain Mushtaq. Shoaib was right back at his fiery best, and proved once again that he is single handedly capable of destroying any opposition if he is in the right frame of mind. Praise too is due to PCB for showing faith in Shoaib during his injury period earlier in the year and the effort in getting him back to full fitness. Saqlain came back with a point to prove, as he had been discarded after the tournament in Morocco, and answered all his critics in style. He bowled with tremendous accuracy and variety, and was not afraid to flight the ball, something his bowling had lacked in recent times.

Though the team played brilliantly, a few tactical errors may have been the only negative to come out of the game for Pakistan.

Firstly, the promotion of Razzaq to number three backfired completely, and might just be the mistake that cost Pakistan the game. Razzaq was all at sea against Warne, and too defensive, which is totally unlike his normal self. His groping around allowed a fillip to the dimmed hopes of the Aussies after Imran and Taufeeq had put on a good opening partnership. Razzaq would be a far better prospect at number six, where he can afford to play some strokes against an older ball. The best batsman in the side must occupy this position in any side. Amongst the current options, there is no one better than Younis Khan who is in great touch and should really be fitted in once and for all. The Pakistanis have experimented for too long with this position, and besides Younis or Youhana there appears to be no other option.

Secondly, the selection of Mohammed Sami also proved to be an error as the game wore on. The pitch was turning square and Danish Kaneria would have been a very useful bowler under the conditions. Moreover, the Pakistani batting order seems hampered by an excessively long tail with Saqlain coming in at number eight. The management might also consider picking an extra batsman instead of Sami to strengthen the batting line up, and go into the match with four bowlers.

All in all, apart from a few adjustments there is nothing to complain of, and even the biggest critics of the Pakistan team will have to put up their hands and applaud the team's efforts. Waqar and Richard Pybus deserve a lot of praise for turning the team's attitude around and the youngsters are a major reason for that. One can only hope that they continue to show this fighting spirit in the games to come.