Taylor terms victory as not an easy one (6 October 1998)

6 October 1998

Taylor terms victory as not an easy one

The Dawn

RAWALPINDI, Oct 5: Australian captain Mark Taylor has said that the 198-run fourth-wicket partnership between Michael Slater and Steve Waugh was the turning point in the match after Pakistan had won the toss and did well to make 269.

Talking to reporters after the historic win, Taylor accompanied by vice-captain Steve Waugh, said that though not an easy one, it was a big win.

After we lost the toss, our bowlers did an excellent job on the first morning of the game which is always very crucial. It would have been a lot harder if Pakistani batsman had put on a good total, he said.

Taylor said, however, the turning point in the game was the 198-run partnership between Slater and Steve after Pakistan had us reeling at 3 for 28. It was a vital partnership, which eventually gave us the lead.

Taylor praised the team effort of stating that everybody did a fine job, especially some fantastic bowling to keep the pressure on Pakistan.

To a question whether the Australian side was a superior one to that of Pakistan, Taylor admitted that in this game they were a better side.

On fielding, the Australian skipper said that both sides missed a number of catches but they came off better.

Taylor further maintained that the rest of series would be very competitive because Pakistan would comeback very strongly.

Commenting on the wicket, Mark Taylor said that the two days from the game the wicket was a lot greener but once it was shaven off it looked very dry with cracks all over.

In order to pick the right side for the match we also delayed our final team.

On Stuart MacGill's performance, Mark Taylor said that it was always great to have a back up in the team and he has done well to fit into the shoes of Shane Warne.

The skipper denied they had any security concerns about the second Test at Peshawar starting from Oct 15.

Our officials visited the place and have been assured and we are very much looking forward to another five days of Test cricket.

STEVE WAUGH: Australia's most prolific batsman Steve Waugh stated that he felt happy that 39 years of no-win in Pakistan have ended.

Steve who made a valuable 157 and was given the Man-of-The-Match award for his vital 198-runs fourth-wicket partnership with Michael Slater said that it was an excellent team effort right down to the 12th man.

However, he said that it would be great tour if Australia build on the triumph here to win the series 2-1 or 2-0.

On his batting, Steve said that he tried to take something from the Pakistani batsmen specially Moin Khan.

Source :: The Dawn (www.dawn.com)