Ind-Pak 2006, 1st Test, Lahore (Day 1, First Session)

Yes, Ganguly is playing, but at the expense of G.Gambhir. Will be interesting to see who (Ganguly or Yuvraj) opens the Indian innings, but that is some time away as Pakistan has won the toss and elected to bat. A bit surprising given that the team batting second has won 5 of the last 6 games.

Anyway, will the Indian bowlers take advantage of the much talked about dew at Lahore?

Malik & Butt to open the innings...

***

A bit of swing for Pathan in the first over to Malik, but he bowled a bit short. With the ball swinging, he should pitch it up. 2 runs.

And a bit of swing for Agarkar as well, but he was all over the place. 10 runs. Ah, some things never change. Ok, to be fair 4 were leg byes (but of a bad ball drifting down the leg)…

***

Now here is something you don’t see too often the first hour of a Test Match…

First ball of the 3^rd over and Malik pushes the ball to short mid wicket. Yuvraj (helmet and all) runs back from short leg, picks the ball and throws straight at the non-strikers end and breaks the stumps. Third umpire called and Butt, who had taken a few steps, is out.

Pak 12 for 1!!! Younis is the new man in…

***

After 5 overs, Pakistan 21/1. Pathan bowling beautiful inswingers here. (had a close call for lbw against Malik turned down – hawk-eye suggested it was out but batsman was well forward). Agarkar, I am afraid…

***

At last a good over by Agarkar- maiden and nearly had Younis caught behind of an outsiwinger.

***

They are showing a video clip of Ganguly pleading his case in front of Dravid and Chappel before the game. Isn’t it high time this saga ended? Or more importantly, the media moved on…

***

After 10 overs, Pakistan 28/1. Pakistani batsmen very watchful here but Indias have not made them play enough thought there have been a couple of close calls (ball kissing bat but not quiet). I recon Ganguly should be coming to bowl soon, a couple of overs in these conditions…

***

But for the moment its Agarkar and looks like he is back to doing what he does best – short wide, and Younis square cuts for 4 – first ‘classy’ shot of the match…

After 12, Pakistan are 34/1.

***

Over 13, and Pathan (again) nearly had Younis caught behind of a late outswinger. Great bowling that.

But he follows it up with low full toss which is driven past the bowler for 4. and followed by overpitched ball which is driven through covers for 3.

After a slow start, Younis starting to look good. 16 of 32 balls, Malik 13 of 42. Pak 41/1 after 13.

***

As expected, Ganguly comes in to bowl. 1 run, followed by 10 of Agarkar’s 8^th over including two fours. Needless to say, this should be his last. Pak 52/1 after 16.

***

And on the other side of the equator, the Aussies are doing what they do best. 3/212 in 36 overs in the first ODI of the VB series. Symonds 51*, Martyn 63*. No respite for Sri Lanka yet…

***

Drinks. Pak 56/1 after 17.

***

As expected, Harbhajan into the attack and gets some turn straight away. Maiden…

***

Ganguly continues, and nearly had Younis there. Ball falls short of Laxman in the slips…

***

Harbhajan continues, and I tell you, that is a lot of spin for a first day pitch. Is it the reason Pakistan chose to bat on this pitch? Hmmm! So much for the pre-match talk of green tops…

Malik decides that the best way to counter spin is to hit over the top. First six of the match. 50 Partnership up. Good stuff this by Pakistan. After 20, Pakistan 67/1.

***

Kumble into the attack in the 23^rd over (replaces Ganguly, who bowled well)) and goes for a 4 by Younis Khan in the last ball of the over.

***

And another 4 in his second over, this time a cover drive by Malik.

Pakistan 80/1 after 25, and looking good (Younis 5* (74b 5x4) Malik 30* (74b 4x4 1x6)

***

Great over by Harbhajan Singh (26^th). Had Younis Khan in all sorts ob bother. He is bowling a great spell. Looks like taking a wicket anytime…

***

Kumble, meanwhile (in his third over) has still to settle down.

***

Harbhajan forcing Malik to use his feet to counter the spin. But next ball, over pitched and another beautiful cover drive by Malik. After 28, Pakistan 90/1

***

And Kumble continues to bowl loose balls. Another short ball, another 4 through cover by Malik. He moves to 41, Pak 95/1 in 29 (Younis 38*).

***

And the saga continues. Harbhajan on one end tight, good. Kumble on the other…

After 32, Pakistan 101/1 - Younis 40* (92b 5x4) Shoaib Malik 46* (96b 7x4 1x6), Kumble 19 in 5 overs, Harbhajan 19 of 7.

***

Pathan back in the attack (replacing Kumble). Can he get the breakthrough?

No he can’t but a decent tidy over that. Pak 103/1 after 33.

***

And its Kumble replacing Harbhajan at the other end!! Malik works it away of the pads to move on to 49. And another run on the on side gets him his 4^th fifty in Tests (1^st against India). Well played…

***

Couple of uneventful overs and that’s Lunch.

Pakistan 110/1 after 36 overs, Malik 51*, Younis 43*. Bowling figures. Pathan 22 in 9, Agarkar 27 in 8, Ganguly 9 in 4, Harbhajan 22 in 8 and Kumble 25 in 7.

Session belonged to Pakistan but to be fair to the Indian bowlers, this looks like a good batting wicket.