As both sides gear up for the finale of this thrilling tour, my only worry is that fear of defeat and the inevitable backlash will make both sides too cautious for their own good. This India-Pakistan series has been different from earlier ones because both sides have been positive, and looked to win rather than merely avoid defeat. This is the 50th Test between the two sides, and 33 encounters have been draws - proof of the safety first policy that dictated cricket strategy between these two countries so far.
I had a word with Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq, and he seems intent on winning not only because his team is playing its archrivals, but also to prove a thing or two to the local media that has heaped unwarranted criticism on him. He is a gentleman cricketer, and some of the bad press he got after Multan has really hurt him. So, right now, the desire to put the record straight might help him focus better on the Rawalpindi game.
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For India, while the return of their captain, Sourav Ganguly, will be a huge plus, it has thrown up its share of selection problems. Akash Chopra, who has ably supported Virender Sehwag at the top of the order, seems likely to be replaced by Yuvraj Singh.
When the management is replacing one player with the other, the only criterion should be ability and talent. Yuvraj is a hugely talented player and on current form can deliver for his team as an opener or as number six. Chopra has worked hard and done well, but I think he will have to make way because in-form players must always be played. I myself had to adapt from being a middle-order batsman to being an opener, and I don't think it is as drastic a change as it is made out to be.
Yuvraj has sound technique and footwork, and has always looked assured against pace bowling. So if he approaches it as a great opportunity rather than as being made a sacrificial goat, he will do well.
India's main worry will continue to be their one-dimensional bowling attack. They still lack the teeth to take 20 wickets if their batsmen don't put up a mammoth total. Anil Kumble comes into the equation only in the second innings, so there are some problems in this department for Ganguly.
Not surprisingly, the pitch for this game also has a greenish tinge to it. It looks pretty similar to the one at Lahore last week, and will be good for batting after some initial help for the pace bowlers. The pacemen will always be in business on this wicket, but if the batsmen rough out the initial phase, they could prevail as well. Unfortunately, Pakistan will be without Lahore hero Umar Gul, and there is a question mark over the fitness of Mohammed Sami as well. Haroon Rashid has informed us that Sami should be fit by tomorrow, but I hope he does not play if he is not completely fit because it's really very hot in Pindi.
These developments will put a lot of pressure on Shoaib Akhtar, and the pace bowler is due for some wickets. He will be playing in front of his home crowd so, hopefully, that should inspire him into putting in a good performance. He would have gained some confidence from his spell on the last day, where he displayed the pace and control he is capable of.
