July 19, 2006	Wednesday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 22, 1427

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KARACHI, July 18: The injury-hit Pakistan cricket team on Tuesday earned a praise for its commendable performance in the opening match of the four-Test series against England from chief selector Wasim Bari.

Talking to Dawn a day after Pakistan drew the first Test at Lord’s, Bari lauded Inzamam-ul-Haq’s young team for its tenacity despite being crippled by a spate of injuries.

“It was a courageous show put up by a side that was beset by injuries to key players,” the chairman of selectors said.

Pakistan, deprived of strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s services prior to the series, was further jolted by injuries to pace duo of Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (groin) and Mohammad Asif (elbow)and all-rounder

Shoaib Malik (elbow) who all returned home before the first Test. Things got worse for the tourists when vice-captain Younis Khan also dropped out of the first Test with a knee injury.

“In the prevailing circumstances, we feared the worst for our depleted side,” Bari said.

“However, the boys emerged from the game with flying colours although there were certain areas where the team performed poorly. The fielding was definitely well below the standard.”

Bari had special praise for Man-of-the-Match Mohammad Yousuf, skipper Inzamam and Faisal Iqbal and added that other members of the team should follow their examples.

“Yousuf was absolutely magnificent in both the innings as was Inzamam. Both these experienced campaigners showed why they are rated so highly in world cricket.

“The way Yousuf batted in the first innings during that wonderful double century was a lesson for the younger members of the side. I have seldom seen him bat so fluently and calmly,” Bari remarked.

The former national captain, who retired in 1984 after playing 85 Tests as wicket-keeper, opined that Faisal had all the ingredients of becoming a sound opening batsman.

“I think it won’t be a bad idea to try out Faisal as an opener in the second Test since he virtually came in as one in both the innings at Lord’s.

“The youngster has got the temperament to withstand the new ball and more importantly, he is in good nick at the moment,” Bari stressed.

“With Younis certain to return for the second Test at Old Trafford, Faisal gives Pakistan an opening option.”

Salman Butt and Imran Farhat, the two left-handed openers, failed to make significant contributions in the Lord’s Test. Salman made only 10 in the first innings before going for a first-ball duck in the second.

Imran, on the other hand, scored 33 and 18.