'They will try and come back strongly' - Dravid
Both India and Pakistan sweated it out in the morning at the Gaddafi Stadium in preparation for the potentially decisive second Test
Dileep Premachandran in Lahore
04-Apr-2004
Both India and Pakistan sweated it out in the morning at the Gaddafi Stadium in preparation for the potentially decisive second Test. Afterwards, in front of the cameras and microphones, the two captains were a study in contrast, with Rahul Dravid as relaxed as Inzamam-ul-Haq appeared under siege. Inzamam appeared to have pinned his faith on what he termed a "sporting, fast wicket", while Dravid was confident that the surface would suit his attack just as well.
Rahul Dravid
On his team's approach to the game
We're really happy with the way we played at Multan. But we can't afford to relax now. They will try and come back very strongly, and we have to be ready for that.
We're really happy with the way we played at Multan. But we can't afford to relax now. They will try and come back very strongly, and we have to be ready for that.
On the build-up to the second Test
We have concentrated on our preparation. The pitch looks very firm, and there should be good bounce and carry. But it's going to be the same for both teams. If the conditions suit their quick bowlers, chances are that our seamers will also do well, provided they bowl in the right areas.
We have concentrated on our preparation. The pitch looks very firm, and there should be good bounce and carry. But it's going to be the same for both teams. If the conditions suit their quick bowlers, chances are that our seamers will also do well, provided they bowl in the right areas.
On the likely composition of the team, and especially the bowling component
We have selected a squad of 13, and will finalise the 11 only tomorrow. Ashish Nehra is in for Zaheer Khan, and we're very happy with the way Ajit [Agarkar] has bowled over the past few days. One reason we didn't pick him for Multan was because we felt he hadn't had enough bowling hours. Balaji and Irfan [Pathan] have also been bowling well. Nehra is a quality performer on tracks that help him.
We have selected a squad of 13, and will finalise the 11 only tomorrow. Ashish Nehra is in for Zaheer Khan, and we're very happy with the way Ajit [Agarkar] has bowled over the past few days. One reason we didn't pick him for Multan was because we felt he hadn't had enough bowling hours. Balaji and Irfan [Pathan] have also been bowling well. Nehra is a quality performer on tracks that help him.
On the team's injury woes
Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket now. You can work very hard on your fitness, but you need luck too. Ashish's injury, the split webbing, that had nothing to do with lack of fitness, it was just bad luck.
Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket now. You can work very hard on your fitness, but you need luck too. Ashish's injury, the split webbing, that had nothing to do with lack of fitness, it was just bad luck.
On the absence of crowds for the Test series
It's always nice to play in front of packed stadiums, and we had that for the one-day series. But I guess the Tests don't attract the same following.
It's always nice to play in front of packed stadiums, and we had that for the one-day series. But I guess the Tests don't attract the same following.
On how India could take advantage of Pakistan's nervousness to establish a firm grip on the match
If we can have a good first day, with bat or ball, like we did at Multan, they will be under real pressure.
If we can have a good first day, with bat or ball, like we did at Multan, they will be under real pressure.
On the significance of the toss
We won the toss at Multan and made it count. Otherwise, it's not really a factor. Just winning the toss doesn't win you games.
We won the toss at Multan and made it count. Otherwise, it's not really a factor. Just winning the toss doesn't win you games.
Inzamam-ul-Haq
About the pressure on his side
We are playing a home series, so there is a lot of pressure. We didn't play well in the opening game, and we know we have to do better here.
We are playing a home series, so there is a lot of pressure. We didn't play well in the opening game, and we know we have to do better here.
On whether he was allowed a look at the pitch - a reference to his perceived tiff with Andy Atkinson, who is supervising preparation of the pitches used in this series
They showed me the pitch (laughing). It's a sporting one, and will help our fast bowlers.
They showed me the pitch (laughing). It's a sporting one, and will help our fast bowlers.
On the bowlers, who bowled so poorly in Multan
They didn't bowl to their potential, and they know that. The Indian bowlers bowled a good line and length, and on the stumps.
They didn't bowl to their potential, and they know that. The Indian bowlers bowled a good line and length, and on the stumps.
On the importance of the toss
There will be some initial movement, but I don't think it will affect the final result. Test matches have to be won over four or five days.
There will be some initial movement, but I don't think it will affect the final result. Test matches have to be won over four or five days.
On whether his batsmen too need to take extra responsibility after a poor second-innings showing in Multan
Look, a Test match is a team effort. Batsmen or bowlers alone can't win you games.
Look, a Test match is a team effort. Batsmen or bowlers alone can't win you games.
On what he has said to his side ahead of the match
We know we have a tough task to come back. But we're looking ahead. Looking back will only have a negative effect on the team.
We know we have a tough task to come back. But we're looking ahead. Looking back will only have a negative effect on the team.
On Kamran Akmal, who replaces the injured Moin Khan
He has played both Tests and ODIs before. He's a very talented young player, and we hope he will take his chance.
He has played both Tests and ODIs before. He's a very talented young player, and we hope he will take his chance.
On Imran Nazir, who is part of the squad
He has performed well in the first-class games, and I'm in favour of giving chances to such people.
He has performed well in the first-class games, and I'm in favour of giving chances to such people.
On why his bowlers haven't been getting the ball to reverse swing
I think it's just a question of our bowlers having one good session.
I think it's just a question of our bowlers having one good session.
On his statement that Pakistan's bowlers weren't world class
Look, what I meant was that former greats like Wasim [Akram], Imran [Khan] and Waqar [Younis] have in the region of 400 wickets each. These bowlers need time and performances to reach that level.
Look, what I meant was that former greats like Wasim [Akram], Imran [Khan] and Waqar [Younis] have in the region of 400 wickets each. These bowlers need time and performances to reach that level.