12 April 2004	Monday	21 Safar 1425

RAWALPINDI, April 11: Pakistan's senior players are feeling the pressure ahead of the deciding third Test against India starting on Tuesday. India won the first match at Multan by an innings and 52 runs but Pakistan hit back at Lahore to win by nine wickets and level the series.

"It's a crucial decider and there will be extra pressure on Inzamam and me," vice-captain Yousuf Youhana said on Sunday. Captain Inzamamul Haq, the most experienced Pakistani batsman, had scores of 77, 0 and 118 in the two Tests.

Youhana, who has played 50 Tests for his 3,677 runs and 11 centuries, scored 35, 112 and 72. "After the retirements of Saeed Anwar and Wasim Akram last year, there has been extra pressure on the two of us in the rebuilding process," Youhana said.

"We've handled it. But it's now time for the younger guys to be more responsible and consistent. The other batsmen, especially Imran Farhat and Yasir Hameed, need to stand up and be counted."

Imran came good in Lahore, slamming 101 for his second Test century while Yasir scored 91 in the first Test at Multan but the batsmen have lacked consistency. Youhana brushed aside Pakistan's bowling woes with seamers Umar Gul and Shabbir Ahmed injured and paceman Mohammad Sami doubtful because of back pain.

"We've got enough bench strength to tide over the problem but the batsmen have to put up runs on the board and give the bowlers something to bowl at," he said. -Reuters