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Inzamam hopeful of saving third Test
Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is backing himself and his side to bat out the final two days and save the deciding third Test against India.
Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is backing himself and his side to bat out the final two days and save the deciding third Test against India.
The hosts, reeling on 49 for two after the third day, still need 327 to avoid an innings defeat with India pushing for a historic Test series win in Pakistan.
Rahul Dravid led the Indian surge on Thursday, scoring a career-best 270 in a total of 600.
"I'm backing myself to show the lead to the other batsmen," Inzamam said. "It's going to be hard work, but we have to fight to save this match."
Inzamam, playing his 94th Test, will need an innings similar to his Test-best 329 against New Zealand at Lahore two years ago if Pakistan are to save the series.
"There is nothing much wrong with the pitch, though there has been some wear and tear and the bounce is variable. But if we get a long partnership, things can go our way," he said.
There was more bad news for Pakistan, however, with middle-order batsman Asim Kamal struggling to shrug off an elbow injury.
Kamal was hit on his right elbow by a ferocious pull from Indian captain Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday. X-rays have ruled out any major damage but he has been suffering from acute pain.
"We are trying to motivate him to bat tomorrow, if required," Inzamam said.
