Pakistan could have reversed the tide

Pakistan's players must blame themselves for losing the chance to make a strong statement in Test cricket.

The eventual 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka could have been easily reversed. In every Test, Pakistan had the chance to gain the upper hand but lost out due to stupid mistakes. The first Test was theirs for the taking. With just 167 runs to get, Pakistan lost eight wickets for just 46 and tumbled to a 50-run defeat.

A pathetic 90 all out after batting first in the second Test did not bode well for the side. But they fought back hard to get into the match. However, some ordinary bowling and another batting collapse handed the match to the Lankans.

Pakistan were always on top in the third Test but the Lankans fought hard to save the match. So what went wrong? Lack of concentration and ignoring the basics of the game were the key reasons.

The batting must take the major share of the blame. Collapses occurred when the team was cruising. Flashy strokes came out when prudent measures were required. A fairly strong middle-order just wilted under pressure brought on by its own making.

Some of the players could have taken the example of newcomer Fawad Alam. Though less talented and more limited than some of his well-known colleagues, Alam made up for it with sense, guts and determination.

Mohammed Yousuf returned to the fold and displayed his class. Though, slowed down with age, Yousuf still played all his trademark shots and scored a century and missed one narrowly in the series.

Shoaib Malik rescued his career with a fighting century in the last Test but vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq had a disappointing tour.

Pakistan's bowlers did a fairly decent job but it was mystifying as to why their premier spin bowler Danesh Kaneria was not picked until the final Test. Kaneria took five wickets to underline the selection mistake.

There were other selection blunders which harmed Pakistan's cause. Abdul Razzaq was completely ignored and instead newcomer Abdur Rauf played and failed.

The Lankans will be hugely relieved that they pulled off a series victory despite being forced on the backfoot on most occasions. This was not one of their best wins at home. Usually, the Lankans are efficient and clinical. But this time they faltered frequently but Pakistan's inadequacy was Lanka's gain.

The loss of ace spinner Muttiah Muralitharan through injury did not help. However, Rangana Herath took his chance and had a great series.

Nuwan Kulasekara was the pick of the bowlers and was rewarded for his accuracy. Newcomer Angelo Mathews also seems to be a player for the future.

There were many twists and turns in the tale throughout the series and this proved that Test cricket is still alive and well.