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Test series between the sub-continental nuclear rivals are regrettably few.� Prior to this series, there has only been twelve Test series between the two nations since 1952 involving 55 Tests.�
Pakistan held a narrow advantage before the series of eleven wins to India's eight with an amazing 33 draws.� The series just completed reinforced those statistics.
The first Test at Lahore suffered from continual rain interruptions.� There were only 220 overs bowled from a maximum over five days of 450 overs.� However, when they played, the Pakistani batsmen scored 7 declared for 679 runs and India 1 for 410 when the game ended.
In the second Test at Faisalabad saw 425 overs bowled in another high scoring game.� With Pakistan making 588 mid way through day two, India replied with 603 runs by mid way though day four.� Pakistan then made 490 after tea on day five and India drew the match after batting for eight overs.
These two Tests raise significant questions about the pitches for the first two matches.� Neither Pakistan nor India is lacking top class bowlers.� However, the batsmen effectively had a free-for-all.� The pitches played like concrete slabs.
Test cricket must compete against other sports for sponsorship, patrons and press coverage.� Matches must provide entertainment for those patrons who pay at the gate.� Perhaps more importantly, the television networks that pay in the millions need something that will keep the viewers.
At some point, the International Cricket Council is going to have to step in to prevent such pitches being prepared.� From this series, that cannot happen soon enough.
The third Test pitch at Karachi was therefore a surprise.� A hat trick to Pathan in the first over led to Pakistan being all out for 'only' 245 runs.� India found the batting no less easy and made 238 in reply.� Suddenly Pakistan found their feet and made 7 for 599 runs, setting India 607 for victory.
Given the ease of Pakistan's second innings, some expected another draw.� India being bundled out for 265 was unexpected.
India had held fourth place in the ratings from December 2004 when they overtook Pakistan.� As a result of the series loss, India has now dropped back to fifth place in the ratings with 1088 points.
Pakistan has reclaimed fourth place in the rankings with 1089 points, a lead of only one rating point over India.
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India returns home after a one-day series to next face second-placed England in a three Test series.� Given that Pakistan defeated England 2-0 in December, the pressure will be on Indian coach Greg Chappell to turn things around and also produce a win.
England will be looking to bounce back in preparation for their Australian tour toward the end of the year.� England, however, will need to remember they are not in Australia yet if they are to have any hope of winning in India.
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The latest Test cricket ratings are: 1. Australia (1248); 2. England (1138); 3. South Africa (1118); 4. Pakistan (1089); 5. India (1088); 6. Sri Lanka (1041); 7. New Zealand (1036); 8. West Indies (949); 9. Zimbabwe (849); 10. Bangladesh (785).
