Inzamam keen to lead from the front

The Pak captain said India would plan to capitalise on the absence of Shoaib Akhtar by preparing a fast track for the opening Test.

Pakistani captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said on Monday India would plan to capitalise on the absence of his key paceman Shoaib Akhtar by preparing a fast track for the opening Test at Mohali.

HT Image

"I think Akhtar's absence has prompted India to leave grass on the pitch," Inzamam said on the eve of the first Test of a three-match series.

But he felt Shoaib's absence would not be a big handicap, saying he had support bowlers to deliver in the pressure series, Pakistan's first in India in six years.

"I think the pitch will help seamers more than spinners on the first couple of days. If it (grass) remains on the track, it will give equal chances to both the teams as we have adequate back-up," he said.

Shoaib had pulled out of the tour due to a hamstring injury.

Inzamam, leading an inexperienced side, said it was up to senior players to show the way to youngsters against a full-strength Indian side.

"Pressure is always there in the India-Pakistan series," he said.

"It's necessary for experienced batsmen to show more responsibility. I know I have to perform both as captain and batsman to set an example. We may not be favourites, but are capable of winning the series."

Inzamam said his team had come not to avenge last year's defeats, but to play competitive cricket.

"Revenge is not on our minds," said Inzamam, whose team lost both the Test and one-day series against India at home last year.

"We know India have an edge as they have experienced players. We may be inexperienced, but not weak and I'm confident we can win," he said.

Inzamam felt leg-spinner Danish Kaneria could play a key role as the pitch was also expected to help spin.