MULTAN, March 30: As Pakistan were left with their backs against the wall in the first Test against India, in-form home captain Inzamamul Haq backed his side to save the match.

The hosts, replying to India's mammoth 675-5 declared, ended the third day's play on 364-6, still needing 112 to avoid the follow-on with four wickets in hand. "We can still avoid the follow-on and save the match over the next two days," Inzamam told reporters on Tuesday. "It's not going to be easy. But we've batted positively in the match.

"We didn't bat badly today. Everyone tried hard and made an effort. "But when you are facing a total of 675 runs, even 364 for six appears small," he added. Inzamam, who hit a superb 77 before being given out controversially caught at short-leg off Anil Kumble by Australian umpire Simon Taufel, could not hide his disappointement.

"The code of conduct does not allow me to comment on the decision but you saw it, it is for you to decide," Inzamam remarked. "I think my dismissal put extra pressure on the entire team.

"Maybe our total looks less when compared to India's big one, but (Abdul) Razzaq is still there and we should be able to do it because the wicket is playing very easy." -Agencies