Dawn Pakistan's most widely circulated English language newspaper.

Pakistan-India 'Test' starts in Rawalpindi today

By Farhana Ayaz

Friday, 13 February, 1998


ISLAMABAD Feb 12: The first unofficial cricket 'Test' between Pakistan ``A'' and India ``A'' starts at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The touring side also had 70 minutes net session. After having a look at the hard and green Pindi wicket, manager Surinder Khanna was all praise for the strip and the venue. Coach Krishnammachari Srikkanth announced the Indian ``A'' playing eleven. ``I think the groundsmen should be complimented for preparing such a true wicket.

The visitors are going in with three medium pacers, and two spinner. ``Our batsmen have been enjoying the tour and the bowlers have also done a decent job but test cricket is a different ball game so lets see,'' the coach said adding that Pakistan was a slightly more experienced side.

In skipper Gagan Khodda, vice captain Bahutule and Test pacer Debashish Mohanty, the Indian team has depth of rationally tested talent newcomer Wasim Jaffar holds the world record of unbeaten 314 runs in his second game of first class cricket. Playing for Mumbay, he achieved the feat against Saurashtra last season.

The two balanced sides are expecting to produce high quality cricket with the youngsters testing their mettle to make a mark.

Surinder Khanna, Indian manager, said that the series provides the best chance to youngsters of both sides to make their mark. ``The cricket series between the two countries has great pressure and those players who can handle this pressure, they certainly brighten their chances to make a break through in the national team.''

The manager said, cricket between the two countries always provides top quality contest. ``We are looking forward to an excellent series, where youngsters from both sides can enhance their skills,'' he said.

About Indian side the manager said, it was balanced team with good batting and bowling strength. Gagan Khoda, Bahutula, Wasim Jaffar, Sanjay Raul and Jatin Parajpe have displayed good form in the side games. Bowling has variety with Debashish Mohanty, Ajit Agarkar, Bahutule, Murali, he said.

Khanna said, Pakistan has always produced strong teams, especially good pacers. ``The new entry Fazal-i-Akbar has impressed me. The youngster Hasan Raza is also very talented and Basit Ali is a strong batting force,'' he said. Pakistan as a fine squad, stated.

Before the first unofficial test, the touring side has played two side games, in Karachi and Peshawar. Both were drawn.

Pakistan team held a two hour net at the stadium. The playing eleven will be named an hour before the start of match. Predicting that the toss will be crucial, manager Pakistan team, Shafiqe Ahmed ``Papa'' stated that the pitch looked lively, green and result-oriented.

He said, Pakistan team was a good combination and emphasis would be laid on giving maximum exposure to the youngsters. ``We have selected a squad 17 members, most of the players are within the 19-20 years age group. During the series all the members will be given chances to prove their mettle. This is our main motive'' he stated.

It was stated that name of Abdul Razzaq was also included in the list of 17-player to be tested during the series.

The former Test player said that these players are the backup force for the Pakistan senior team. ``To groom them, we need to give them maximum chances. This is our priority for the series,'' said Pakistan team manager.

About Test batsman Basit Ali, the manager said, the player still had a lot of cricket left in him. ``He was going through a lean period, we are trying to bring him up again, because we feel that there is vacuum in Pakistan batting. For future we would require the experience of Basit. He played a beautiful innings at Karachi and we are hopeful that he would comeback in fine form,'' said Shafique Ahmed.

Talking about the youngsters in the side, the manager said, they are expected to grab the opportunity in a positive manner. Wicketkeeper Humayun Farhat performed well during the Junior World Cup, right arm pacer Azhar Shafiq has played a three-day game against South Africa, Rana Qayyumul Hassan performed well with bat during the last Pakistan A tour to England besides good average in the domestic season.

The manager said, an effort has been made to improve the fielding department.

About the visitors, the manager said, their batting was solid but bowling was a little weak.

India ``A'': Gagan Khoda (captain), Sairaj Bahutule (vice captain), Mannava Prasad (wicket-keeper), Abbas Ali, Jatin Paranjpe, Sanjay Raul, Ajit Agarkar, Wasim Jaffar, Debashish Mohanty, N. Madhukar, Murali Kartik. Noel David 12th man.

Pakistan ``A'' (from): Aaqib Javed (captain), Basit Ali (vice captain), Salim Ellahi, Shahid Khan Afridi, Hasan Raza, Rana Qayyumul-Hassan, Muhammad Hussain, Humayun Farhat, Murtaza Husain, Naeem Ashraf, Fazal-i-Akber, Jaffar Nazir and Azhar Shafiq.


Source: Dawn
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Date-stamped : 13 Feb1998 - 10:26