Victory a great booster: Moin
Karachi, March 15: Pakistan captain Moin Khan termed the victory in the third cricket Test over Sri Lanka as a perfect tonic for the forthcoming assignments
16-Mar-2000
Karachi, March 15: Pakistan captain Moin Khan termed the victory in
the third cricket Test over Sri Lanka as a perfect tonic for the
forthcoming assignments. "It was a total committed performance by all
the players. Before a long cricket ahead, it is a great booster," Moin
said in his post-match conference.
"I think Inzamam-ul-Haq made all the difference in the Test. He batted
with excellent concentration and application. He looked to have
returned to his best," said the wicketkeeper.
Javed Miandad, who won his first Test as coach on the home ground,
said the major difference between this side and the teams that played
in the previous two Tests was that it took a first innings lead and
then scored over 400 runs for the first time in the series.
"Sri Lanka is not a better team than ours. But we were not clicking at
the right time. There were injury problems and there is no denying the
fact that they played better than us in the first two Tests," said the
former captain.
Miandad said it was the experts to judge if the change of management
did the trick. "The team is the same but results are different. Its
for other to decide if they have witnessed any change in the attitude
of players and performance of the team."
Moin said he enjoyed his first match as captain and said he had no
pressure on him. "I have the support of the players and
management. Then, I have accepted the responsibility with my
wish. Captaincy has not been forced on me."
The Pakistan captain said the ploy on the fourth day was to be
aggressive. He said the bowlers had enough runs with play with and as
long the bowlers were striking, he was not concerned if the runs were
begin scored at the same time.
Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya said it was one of his finest
tours. "We have played good competitive cricket on this tour and the
results speak for itself.
"But I am not pleased with the way we batted in the last Test. We have
been playing continuous cricket for the last 40 days," he said.
Jayasuriya admitted that the experience of Arjuna Ranatunga and
Aravinda de Silva was missed.
Jayasuriya said the objective was not to win the series 3-0 but to
remain positive and play cricket of the highest standard.
Team coach Dave Whatmore said in this Test, Pakistan played
outstandingly. "The fast bowlers especially did a very good jib in the
first inning when they got lead against us.
"But we batted badly in the second innings. We didn't occupy the
crease for long enough," he said.
Whatmore said three Tests in a row is very difficult. "I strongly feel
that it is asking for too much if you are playing three matches in
three weeks, including two with a gap of just two days.
"I feel sorry for the players because the tight schedule affected
their performance in the last Test."