LAHORE, April 5: Pakistan medium-pacer Umar Gul has attributed his success to concentrating on maintaining line and length, and said in doing so he was following the advice of captain and coach.
Umar, with figures of five for 31 which helped his side bowl out India 287 in the first innings on the first day of the second Test at Qadhafi Stadium on Monday, told a press conference that he was happy with his first five-wicket haul in Tests.
He said he had not set any target to bowl out at a particular Indian batsman. "All the Indian batsmen are experienced but I have been focussing on my line and length without giving any thought to whom I am bowling."
Umar, a late replacement for the injured Shabbir Ahmed, said he did not feel any problem in adjusting himself as the coach had told all to be mentally ready. He said he was fit after treatment of his cramp.
Pakistan manager Haroon Rasheed said Umar was not given a chance in the first Test at Multan as the Pakistan first attack was fit. "Umar is in our stock bowler and got a chance when one of the main attackers, Shabbir, became unfit," the manager said.
Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh, who hit his maiden Test century and saved his team blushes, said obviously his knock gave him tremendous confidence. Yuvraj scored 112 and with Irfan Pathan, who made 49, added 117 for the eighth wicket stand which lifted the total from 147-7 to 264.
He said Pathan followed his advice and supported him well. Yuvraj attributed his defiant knock to his parents and the coach. "My parents and my coach worked hard on me and what I am today is the result of their special attention to me."
He was all praise for Umar and said he bowled in line and length. "We have already seen Umar in action but today he was in high form," said Yuvraj. He admitted that his side's total was not very impressive.
