Pakistan hoping to square test series

Press, 12 August 1982, Page 38

Pakistan hoping to square test series

NZPA London Pakistan’s priority in the second cricket test against England, starting at Lord’s tomorrow, is to bat with greater discretion and determination than in the first match in Birmingham last week. The touring team lost the opening game of the threetest series by 113 runs because the batsmen’s lack of application negated the performance of a weakened attack which rose to the occasion bravely ■ and effectively, ....... A , Pakistan’s, captain, Imran Khan, was' an inspiration in his fast bowling role —' he

had a match haul of nine wickets — and set a splendid example in the second innings by ' making a top score of 65 with a shrewd blend of defence and aggression. , Imran’s line-up of talented specialist batsmen will need to emulate his methods at Lord’s to give Pakistan the chance of a* victory which would keep alive its hopes of winning a series against Eng- ■ land for the first time. Pakistan, which has beaten England only once in 34 tests since the teams first met in 1954, will be boosted by the return after injury of the experienced fast-medium bowler, Sarfraz Nawaz.

Sarfraz proved bis fitness after missing the first test with a gashed finger when he took six for 92 against Surrey at the Oval on Tuesday. His return means that Pakistan must choose between Tahir Naqqash, who showed inspired form to take five for 40 in England’s second innings at Birminghain, or the more experienced Sikander Bakht as the third quick bowler. Pakistan is almost certain to retain the leg spinner, Abdul Qadir, as its only specialist slow bowler. His figures in the first test belied the problems he posed and he could be more successful on a Lord’s pitch which ofkn

gives increasing help to spinners at this stage of the season. Mudassar Nazar, though twice failing to score at Birmingham, is likely to continue what has. otherwise been a successful tour opening partnership with the stylish Mohsia Khai. . Pakistan’s only batting change for such a crucial game might be to gamble by omitting Mansoor Akhtar, who made 58 and 0 in the first test, and recall Majid -- Khan: Majid has Pakistan’s second highest aggregate in tests but has struggled to 1 find his touch on this tour,

with only one half-century in • 17 innings in all matches. • A buoyant England, having originally named an unchanged squad, has been hit by injury and illness which j have already compelled one change and might necessitate a second. The all-rounder, Geoff Miller, has been ruled out by chicken pox and is replaced by Vic Marks, another offspinner and improving batsman, who has yet to win a test cap. The captain and fast bowler, Bob Willis, is suffering from a neck injury and Robin Jackman, who will be 37 tomorrow and made his two previous test appoar_

ances in the West Indies last year, has been called up as cover. Willis said yesterday: “I’m not optimistic but I haven’t given up yet. I shall be having treatment right up until the start of the test and I’m still hoping it will clear up.” ' ; \ David Gower will lead England for the first time if Willis is unfit. The England team is: Derek Randall, Chris Tavar e, Allan Lamb, David Gower, lan Botham, Mike Gatting, lan Greig, Derek Pringle, Eddie Hemmings, Vic Marks, Bob Taylor, Bob Willis, Robin Jackman. The Pakistan side has yet to he selected.