Search:



The Web

Rediff








 Latest Cricket news on mobile: sms CRI to 7333

Home > Cricket > India's tour of Pakistan > PTI > Report


Dravid, Sehwag flay Lahore pitch

January 17, 2006 17:49 IST

India skipper Rahul Dravid [Images] and his deputy Virender Sehwag [Images] may have made merry on the placid Gadaffi stadium pitch, but they did not mince words while denouncing the track after the first Test ended in a tame draw in Lahore [Images] on Tuesday.

"Bowlers would not like pitches like these," said Dravid, who remained unbeaten on 128 in the match, which saw only eight wickets fall over five weather-hit days.

Also Read


Sehwag, Dravid fail in record bid

Should Dravid-Sehwag open?

Prem Panicker's blog


Sehwag agreed with his captain and said even though the wicket was a beauty to bat on, "it was not good enough for international cricket" as it did not allow a fair contest between bat and ball.

Dravid was, nevertheless, happy that India came back strongly after "being under the hammer on the first two days".

"We needed a good batting display and I am happy that Viru and I could provide that."

Referring to his decision to open the innings, Dravid said, "We decided that the best side should play and thought that I was the best equipped to come as opener."

Complimenting Sehwag on his blazing innings, the Indian skipper said he had the best seat in the house.

"The balls which other batsmen defend, he was hitting to the boundary," Dravid said.

Sehwag, adjudged man of the match, said he was indeed disappointed at not breaking the world record for the highest opening partnership.

"We came to the field for that reason only even though the light was not good," said the cavalier batsman.

He said he enjoys playing against Pakistan.

"Everybody in the team gets charged up when playing Pakistan."

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq admitted that the pitch was not helpful to the bowlers but said his team did not bowl in the right areas.

"I hope that the wicket in Faisalabad for the next Test is a fast and good one which produces a result," he said.


India's tour of Pakistan: The Complete Coverage


7333: The Latest News on Your Mobile!
© Copyright 2006 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.





Article Tools
Email this article
Top emailed links
Print this article
Contact the editors
Discuss this article