Faisalabad Test: Tea, Day 1

Pakistan 248/4 (64.0 ov) Afridi 19*(23) & Inzi 17*(24)

Bugger. Better session for India this, even though we lost just 2 wickets, the fact that they were those of both the set batsmen, makes you feel India might just have taken the honors here. Younis Khan went first, popping a long hop from R P Singh above the head of Yuvraj Singh at point, who took by far the best catch seen in this series, this year, and possibly the best we might see for a while.

This was like one of those wonder moments where everyone feels a sense of disbelief, the bowler, the batsman, even Yuvraj him self couldn’t quite belief that had stuck. Brilliant stuff. His dismissal on 83 meant Younis missed out when could have been a 4th consecutive ton against India, and 2nd consecutive one over all.

Next to go was Yousuf, on 65. He survived a propping spell from Zaheer Khan straight after lunch, where on one occasion he edged through the vacant second slip area, but pretty much an identical shot, was taken this time by the wicket keeper Dhoni, off R P Singh again. Quite some debut this lad is having. These two wickets he got in this session weren't off particularly good balls, but it's not like any one is going to complain.

Inzi’s looked to be in imperious touch in his brief 17, his running including. Afridi came in late in the session to a customary standing ovation from the full house at Iqbal Stadium, and then raced to a typically freakish 19 which already has four fours, three of which came in a single over from Anil Kumble, who’s not exactly having a good day. There was one marginal LBW appeal made against him by Zaheer, which Hawk Eye suggested would have brushed off stump, but you couldn't have been sure, so fair enough on Simon Taufel to give it not out.

Very crucial session ahead of us now, the side that wins this will win the day, and given how nicely it’s all poised, plus the fact that Afridi’s’ batting, you don’t want to miss any of it. Get a cup of tea, some nice cookies to go with it, and look forward.

Cross posted on Sundries