India in for a big shock, says Pakistan's Inzamam by AFP

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Player:	Inzamam-ul-Haq
Event:	Pakistan in India 2004/05

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DateLine: 27th February 2005

 

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has fired the first salvo ahead of an away cricket series against India, saying his young team could spring a big surprise on the hosts.

 

The Inzamam-led side was at the receiving end a year ago when India clinched both the Test and one-day series on their first full tour of Pakistan in nearly 15 years.

 

"India will be under pressure at home," Inzamam told AFP ahead of the team's departure for India on Monday for three Test matches and six one-day internationals.

 

"We lost the home series last year, now it could be India's turn to lose a home series," he said on Sunday.

 

The much-anticipated series, Pakistan's first in India since 1999, is also a personal challenge for Inzamam who has often been criticized for being too soft and passive as captain.

 

As the tourists were thrashed by formidable Australia in all three Tests earlier this season, Inzamam came under fire for missing two of the Tests due to injury.

 

But if he regains his fitness, the Pakistani skipper is set to achieve a milestone in the third and final Test in Bangalore where he will make his 100th Test appearance.

 

"We can beat India in India provided we remain mentally strong and play as a team, because team spirit will be a deciding factor," he said.

 

Inzamam, who turns 35 on March 3, five days before the first Test starts in Mohali on March 8, also has a chance to prolong his international career with an impressive show in India.

 

"It's a huge challenge for the team as well as me," said Inzaman, reminded of Pakistan's victories in two of the three Tests on the last tour of India in 1999.

 

"I remember what those wins did for Wasim Akram, who was under pressure before that 1999 tour. The victories did a world of good to him.

 

"Hopefully it will be the same for me too."

 

But Inzamam knows his current team is not as strong as Akram's side.

 

"We then had a very mature team but the current players have learnt a lot in the past year, especially in Australia," said Inzamam, who took over as captain in 2003.

 

"Despite being young, they are talented and if they keep a professional approach and stick to the basics they can achieve glory. Playing India is always a challenge, but it's a challenge for India too."

 

Regarded as one of the world's leading batsmen with 7,052 Test and 10,631 one-day runs, Inzamam knows he needs to lead from the front.

 

"I know I have a duty as a batsman also. I know how important it is to score big in India," said Inzamam, who managed just 93 in two Tests in 1999.

 

He hoped his bowlers would make up for the absence of paceman Shoaib Akhtar, who pulled out of the series with a hamstring injury.

 

"It would have been nice to have Akhtar, but since he is injured it's the responsibility of back-up bowlers to deliver the goods," he said.

 

"Cricket is a team game, so all 11 players have to contribute."

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)