Squad in upbeat moot ahead of first Test

Lahore, Nov 12: The Pakistan cricket squad was in an upbeat mood ahead of the three-Test series against England which begins here from Wednesday.

The 18 probables for the first Test had a strenuous four-hour workout on Sunday morning at the Qadhafi Stadium. The visitors, however, stayed back in their hotel relaxing and maybe wondering what lay ahead for them.

What was pleasing to see was the cohesion amongst the think tank of the team management that comprise the coach, captain, vice-captain and Wasim Akram, an integral component of this side. The four were engaged in discussions, probably chalking out tentative strategies for the opening Test.

The understanding and unity in the team remain the decisive factor for Pakistan if they have to break the three series losing streak before their own supporters. Cricket pundits attribute internal bickering as the prime reason for defeats against Australia, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The scenario had seemed to surface again last month. But after watching the players in action on Sunday, it seems that all is forgotten.

Javed Miandad, who captained Pakistan in the previous series against England, claimed his boys were mentally very strong and waiting anxiously for Wednesday morning.

"I can see the hunger in them to perform and contribute to Pakistan's success. This hunger is very essential because it takes the best of the player," Miandad said.

Pakistan captain Moin Khan said: Now they are geared up and concentrating on nothing but putting up professional and disciplined show."

Commenting on the England team's strength said: "They have very good pacers in Darren Gough and Andrew Caddick. But I think we exposed their batting in the one-day internationals.

"Well, it's premature to say if slow turning track will be prepared for the first Test because we also have world-class fast bowlers. But if a spinners' track is made, we might even go with four."

The wicket on Sunday looked bald and muddy though it was being rolled. But with two days still remaining, a lot of work will be done on the surface. It has to be seen what will be the final look of the wicket but it will certainly be not the one as is today.

The weather here is also dicy in the Punjab metropolis with heavy dew in the morning and then the sun setting around 4.45pm which means the play might not go beyond 4.15pm. Although 83 overs are scheduled to be bowled, it is highly unlikely that the light and early morning dew would permit that.

The Pakistan captain admitted that he was concerned with this situation. "It would be a shame if full day's play is not played. Both the teams will suffer, but I believe it would affect us more because I fancy my team enjoys a definite edge.