Pakistan v/s Sri Lanka Test Series 2009

Day One of the Third Test

Jul 20, 2009 Nadir Hassan

Mohammed Yousuf makes a glorious return after two years in the ICL wilderness

The story of the series repeated itself on the opening day of the third and final Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Pakistanis dominated play for large swathes of the day only to squander their advantage in 30 minutes of madness. This inconsistency cost Pakistan the first two Tests, leaving them with nothing to play for but pride.

The End of Mohammed Yousuf’s Ban

Pride was reason enough for Mohammad Yousuf to give it his all at the crease. After a record-breaking 2007, when he overtook Viv Richards' record of most runs in a calendar year, Yousuf, primarily for financial reasons, but also because he felt he wasn’t being given the respect due a senior player, decided to cast his lot with the rebel T20 league, the ICL. But now he has a point to prove.

In the opening test of the series Yousuf made a composed century. He was equally fluent in a 167-run partnership for the third wicket with newcomer Khurram Manzoor. Both players were unlucky to miss centuries, with Yousuf being dismissed for 90 and Manzoor for 93.

Another Pakistan Collapse

Manzoor's and Yousuf’s dismissals came towards the end of the day, as Pakistan lost three wickets in just eight balls and finished the day at 289-7. This latest Pakistan collapse should come as no surprise. Pakistan might have won the T20 World Championship but continue to struggle in Test cricket. In the first Test against Sri Lanka, they were unable to chase a modest target of 167, and ended up being scuttled out for 117. The capitulation was even more comprehensive in the second Test. They managed only a pathetic 90 in the first innings and, after playing themselves back into a good position in the second innings, were bundled out for 320 after being 294-2.

Can Umar Gul recapture his T20 World Championship form?

If Pakistan is to salvage a face-saving victory in this Test, the hard work will have to be done by the bowlers. Umar Gul, in particular, will be the spearhead of the attack. He was Pakistan’s standout bowler in the T20 World Cup, and has shown glimpses of the same form in this series. But Sri Lanka’s batting is formidable, with captain Kumar Sangakkara in devastating form. Before the series had started, the announcement that Muttiah Muralitharan, who holds the record for the most wickets in Test history, would be out with a knee injury had handed Pakistan the early psychological advantage. Inept batting and inconsistent bowling, combined with the usual clownish fielding, has led to the advantage gained by Murali's injury being squandered.

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Mohammed Yousuf returns from the IPL