One dimesional cricket becomes boring

That is what the cricket at Kolkatta was if one is to go by the statement of Imran Khan in a live link to an Indian channel.

The former Pakistan captain said the ideal wicket should have something for the pace bowlers as well as spinners, but there was hardly anything for the pace bowlers which made it one-dimensional.

After witnessing another of great shows by Misbah, he also wondered why Misbah, now 33, never got a chance despite splendid performances in the domestic circuit even as Pakistan middle order continued to be fragile for so long.

Imran also told NDTV that the two problems facing Pakistan were the erratic keeping of Kamran Akmal, and the inability of Shoaib Malik to unquestionably cement his place in the Pakistan team.

When chips are down, the captain has to perform to earn the respect of the seniors, he said.

If one sees his recent records, well, this is something Shoaib has not been able to do regularly, losing his moral authority in the process.

Will India make it 2-0 at Kolkatta?

Going into Kolkatta tests, looks like everything right now is in India's favour. The surface is bald. Pakistan strike bowlers do not seem to be fully fit. Yo-Yo factor is yet to play its role. To cap the misery, even Misbah might not play and skipper Shoaib Malik too is a doubtful starter.

The reports just a day before Kolkatta test are not good for the visitors. Though Akhtar is seemingly on the recovery path, Pakistan will need a fully recovered Akhtar to have any impact on the game. Without him, this Pakistan attack will not look better than a Ranji side attack.

However, Pakistan can take heart from the fact that even their seemingly demoralized and fatigued side has it in them to take the battle to the Indians. At Kotla in New Delhi, there were at least two moments when Pakistan had the initiative which they went on to squander subsequently.

One when India were staring the barrel at 93 for five in reply to Pak’s 231 in the first innings, and second when Pakistan opening pair of Yasir Hameed and Salman Butt had given India such a magnificent opening stand of 71 in the second innings.

So, count out the Pakistan only at your own peril. It happened in 2005 too when after Kolkatta win, India became too complacent allowing Pakistan to claw back at Banglore. The series had ended in 1-1 stalemate.

Pak right now may be short on skill and manpower but one thing they never lacked -- the guts to make it count.