January 24, 2006	Tuesday	Zilhaj 23, 1426

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FAISALABAD, Jan 23: A draw was the most logical outcome of the second Test after India saved the follow-on, claimed Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer on Monday.

Woolmer acknowledged the pitch had increasingly helped India’s cause because the bowlers were finding the going tough as game wore on.

Praising the efforts of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Irfan Pathan, he said: The two batted really well and have all but ensured another draw.”

Woolmer, however, felt his bowlers should have attacked relentlessly when India lost four quick wickets.

“We missed a great opportunity after Kaneria broke the partnership between Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman and Shoaib Akhtar got Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket. At 281 for five, we had them on the ropes,” he said.

“At that stage a couple of more wickets would have put the Test in our favour. I thought the pitch on Sunday was more uneven, but today it looked pretty flat and doesn’t appear to be breaking up,” he added.

“Bowling on this track is tough for the boys. But even then when Dhoni and Pathan came in, we didn’t bowl as well as we should have.”

Woolmer lauded Dhoni’s innings and especially the way he took on Shoaib Akhtar. “I thought the lad showed a lot of courage since facing someone like Shoaib is not easy at any stage. He has obviously changed the match for his team.”

Talking of Shoaib, he conceded the fast bowler should have not come off after a blistering six-over spell.

“I don’t know why he didn’t bowl more. You have to ask him that question. I wasn’t out in the middle and I haven’t asked the captain. Probably two more overs could have in that spell might have changed things around.

“As a coach, I must say it was an excellent spell from a great fast bowler. Being as a former cricketer, I wouldn’t have liked the idea to be out there facing him.

Woolmer also had words of praise for Younis, standing in as captain for the injured Inzamam. “I thought Younis handled it very well. He was little bit unlucky in periods but like all captains, you learn by experience.”