Pakistan’s bowling coach Waqar Younis said the first Test between the West Indies and Pakistan was the perfect example of how Test cricket should be played, though, said it was unfortunate that his team lost the match despite having a very good chance of winning in Jamaica.
Chasing the paltry 167 for victory at Sabina Park, the West Indies didn’t have a great start as they lost five wickets for 92 runs and then two more with just 114 runs on the board, but the hosts’ tail-ender Kemar Roach (30*) managed to take the hosts over the line with one wicket in hand.
The coach said Pakistan dropped catches in the crucial situations of the game and they paid the price by losing the match by one wicket against the West Indies.
It was only the 15th instance in Test cricket history where a team won by one wicket. The second and final Test will be played at the same venue in Jamaica from August 20.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Waqar said, “There was no better Test match than this to advocate Test cricket. Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side as we should have won the game. But that's the way it is…one team had to lose and unfortunately it was us, and of course, it happens only when you commit mistakes and (dropped) catches played the big part. When you miss so many opportunities in such tense moments, then that will definitely hurt you.”
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On Pakistan’s bowling, the coach noted: “Overall if you analyze the bowling I must say all the bowlers bowled really well throughout the Test match. Despite the small target, they put in all the hard work, responded well, the way they fought in the game, and never let it go easily.”
He continued, “Bowlers are meant to create opportunities. Yes, West Indies were 114/7 but then after that, there were three opportunities as well and if you are not grabbing them it won't help you. They kept on taking wickets and creating opportunities so with all this I feel very proud of this bowling unit.”
With the second Test set to be played at the same venue at the Sabina Park, Younis feels the fast bowlers will once again shine given the prevailing weather conditions in Jamaica.
The bowling coach mentioned, “There was a lot of support especially for fast bowlers (in the first Test). The ball was seaming, conditions were overcast at times and it wasn't easy for batting. Bowler had more say on it hence it was a low-scoring Test match. One has to apply himself on such pitches and has to be positive as a bowler and as a batter.”
He signed off by saying, “Sometimes you have to take risks to score runs and whoever scored runs were taking risks to build up the board. So with the new ball, you have to remain positive, and going forward if the conditions remain the same it won't be easy for batters.”
(With IANS Inputs)
