Pakistan blundered on most fronts in the Kolkata Test. They chose the wrong team, bowled badly and batted with frail techniques. India were far too superior. What they couldn't do in Mohali, they managed in Kolkata.
I have an issue with the team selection. They clearly did not do their homework. Everyone knows that if you are playing on Indian pitches, the track would help spinners from the third day onwards. Still they went ahead with only one spinner.
Arshad Khan was badly missed in the second Test. Instead of an experienced cricketer like him, the nod was reserved for a youngster who is still to find his feet in international cricket.
Mohammad Khalil wasn't impressive in his first Test against Australia in Perth. He was blooded in a match as big as an India-Pak Test and at an imposing theatre like Eden Gardens which can unnerve even the best.
I have nothing against youngsters like Khalil or for that matter Taufeeq Umar. But the basic technique of our cricketers is not as sound as that say of the Indians.
Even Mohammad Sami, who has been around for a few years now, keeps overstepping the line. His no-balls already number 30 in the series. He does not seem bothered by this excess which is distressful.
{{/usCountry}}Even Mohammad Sami, who has been around for a few years now, keeps overstepping the line. His no-balls already number 30 in the series. He does not seem bothered by this excess which is distressful.
{{/usCountry}}It was a wicket where the ball came at variable height and at all times bowlers needed to bowl within the stumps.
How beautifully Indians, on the other hand, stuck to the basic.
Lakshmipathy Balaji was a prime example of it. He clearly bowled within himself, tried to keep it within the wickets and pitched up to gain whatever movement he could get on an otherwise flat pitch.
In batting too, Indians showed extremely sound technique. They have their basics right.
Unfortunately, we in Pakistan are not producing players with basic techniques. Mere talent is no good if your basics are messed up.
Inzamam-ul-Haq and Danish Kaneria are the leading lights in batting and bowling but both had an ordinary game.
Kaneria suffered from lack of support at the other end. Too much is being asked from him without giving concession to the enormous task he is saddled with. After all he is bowling to best in the business without any support from the other end.