Umar Gul, who picked up two wickets in Australia's collapse for 88, wants his batsmen to seize the initiative
Umar Gul, who picked up two wickets in Australia's collapse for 88, wants his batsmen to seize the initiative
Umar Gul urged Pakistan's batsmen to build a lead of "150-200" after helping rout Australia for just 88 on the first day of the second and final Test at Headingley yesterday.
Gul played his part with two wickets for 16 runs in nine overs.
But such was Pakistan's command of the swinging ball, his were only the third-best figures of the innings with teenage left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer taking three for 20 in 11 overs and Mohammad Asif three for 30 in 10.1.
Pakistan, who lost the first Test by 150 runs at Lord's last week, finished the day on 148 for three ufffd a lead of 60.
Test novices Umar Amin and Umar Akmal were unbeaten on one and eight respectively at the close.
Earlier, Salman Butt marked his first day as Pakistan captain, following Shahid Afridi's post-Lord's retirement from Tests, with 45 in an opening stand of 80 with Imran Farhat (43). "It was a good day for us," said Gul. "We all bowled well and we will be happy with a lead of 150-200."
But Australia coach Tim Nielsen insisted his side were still in the match.
"I know we are 60 behind but if we can have a good morning tomorrow (Thursday), take a couple of wickets, not let the scoreboard get out of control, we are still a chance in the game."
Reflecting on Australia's lowest total since being skittled out for 76 by a Michael Holding-inspired West Indies at Perth in 1984, Nielsen said: "Any day you walk off and you've got 88 next to your 11 batsmen is not a good day.
"Every time we had even the smell of getting a partnership going, we lost another wicket.
"They (Pakistan) bowled beautifully. They bowled a very good length, they hit the wicket hard and didn't just expect the conditions to do all the work for them."
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