With the second Test match beginning on Saturday, PakPassion.net spoke to ex-Pakistan international Shoaib Mohammad about the issues facing Pakistan as they attempt to restore parity in the three-Test series.

By Amir Husain (28th June 2012)

The tour of Sri Lanka has been a difficult one for a Pakistan side hoping to build on recent Test match success and victory in the 2012 Asia Cup. Two thirds of the way into a six-week tour, they they have surrendered the ODI series and first Test and will have to exhibit strong character to avoid losing their unbeaten streak, which dates back to November 2010. There were mitigating factors in the first Test, no more so than the poor umpiring decisions which led the Pakistan team management to lodge an official complaint with the ICC. The return of captain Misbah-ul-Haq, banned for slow over rates in the limited overs games, will strengthen a side seemingly lacking of leadership and focus in the first Test.

With the second Test match beginning on Saturday, PakPassion.net spoke to ex-Pakistan international Shoaib Mohammad about the issues facing Pakistan as they attempt to restore parity in the three-Test series.

Mohammad felt that the ODI losses preceding the Tests have had an impact on the team, which was further exacerbated by the loss of the toss exposing the Pakistani batting line-up.

“I believe that the result of the one-day series hurt the morale of the team and certainly was a factor in losing the first Test match. However, the loss of the toss is also important factor at times and the Sri Lankans racking up big score in the first innings put pressure on Pakistan, who they ended up being bundled out for 100. The wicket and all other circumstances were the same for both teams and they weren't facing the world's best bowling attack either. Sri Lanka captialised on their scoreboard advantage and exerted further pressure on Pakistan by extending their lead, courtesy of some rapid scoring in their 2nd innings. In the end, Pakistan’s low first innings score came back to haunt them.”

Pakistan are yet to lose a test series in the seven played under the leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq, with the team's last outing being the 3-0 whitewash of England. He'll be focused on protecting this proud record after being unavailable for selection in the first Test match. In Mohammad's view Misbah's return, along with Younis Khan's good form, could provide Pakistan with much needed stability in the batting department.

“Misbah's return will strengthen the batting as he is a good player of spin and can hold the innings together. Younis Khan is a senior player and he is expected, along with other senior members of the team, to carry the team. Senior player are expected to perform consistently and for the majority of any series. It should not be the case where they perform in one out of five matches.”

He continued “This is the disadvantage with Pakistan. Senior players often take the back seat because they are confident they won't be dropped as there aren't many backups and replacements. It's matches like these where when senior players don't take on the responsibility, the team ends up losing the match.”

The much vaunted Pakistani bowling attack were also guilty of a below-par performance in the first Test, allowing Sri Lanka to post a first innings score of 472. Mohammad emphasised the importance of improvement by the bowlers but doesn't feel personnel changes are necessary.

“You cannot expect miracles from this current bowling attack, as even Umar Gul is not performing to his potential. At the moment, the opening bowling combination does not seem to be working too well. I would advise against bringing in Mohammed Sami, as he allows batsmen to score freely. I think Junaid Khan should and will probably be played ahead of Mohammad Sami. He is a youngster and there shouldn't be gaps between matches that he is selected for. Since they have brought him on the tour, he needs to be given a complete run. Junaid Khan should be persevered with”

With some impressive performances against England in the Test series, the opening pair of Hafeez and Taufeeq had started to provide a degree of stability to the top order, but their combined contribution of 43 in the first Test have have raised questions over their form and technique. As a former opening batsman, Mohammad is not convinced that the current pair is ideal for the job at hand “both batsmen have had ample chances to succeed and we need to rely on an opening pair that will be beneficial for Pakistan in the long run. Players should not be selected only because they scored on easy batting surfaces. I feel that a batsman like Afaq Rahim should be given a chance as an opener and prove himself at the highest level - I have seen him play as U19 coach and I believe that Afaq has the temperament and technique to succeed.”

The Pakistani batting failed to counter the spin threat from Sri Lanka, losing 12 wickets to the spin duo of Herath and Randiv. In particular, their weakness against the left arm spin of Rangana Herath will be a major concern as they go into the second Test. Mohammad felt that the ability to master the threat posed by left arm spin will be a key factor if Pakistan are to be successful in the game.

“It's just not about playing left-arm spin. Any time the bowl is turning or swinging away from the batsmen, it is difficult to play for every batsmen facing such deliveries. However, you need to know how to cope with this and most importantly, have the ability to re-adjust your shot. This is the quality of a great batsman – re-adjustment of his shot according to the delivery and also something that our batsmen need to work on if they are to succeed in the next Test and the rest of this tour”

The 2nd Test match begins in Colombo on the 30th June followed by the with final Test match at Pallekele which commences on 8th July.