India v Pakistan

This Test produced records but little in the way of worthwhile cricket.

Pakistan commenced by taking the best part of two days over 350. Of these runs Hanif and Saeed contributed 246 for the second wicket and so established a record for Pakistan in Test cricket. Both escaped from missed catches.

With this partnership broken, the score slumped from 301 for two to 350 all out and when Farooq on his first appearance for Pakistan dismissed Roy and Baig in his second over, the initiative appeared to have passed to the bowlers.

But such a situation did not last long. The tedious batting returned and in all India occupied twelve and a half hours over 449, Contractor taking four hours to hit 62, which included only seven fours. Yet India had to wait until their ninth pair, Joshi and Desai, came together before going ahead. These two not only made sure of the lead but put on 149, a new record ninth-wicket stand for India.

Even on the last day there was nothing in the play to stir the spectators. Imtiaz stayed three hours twenty minutes over 69 (four 4's) as Pakistan made doubly sure of avoiding defeat.