Way Too Defensive.

The second test in Faisalabad started much like the first, with Pakistan ending the first day at 379/4. Indian bowlers (five of them this time) had another dismal day in the office.

I do not understand what is the point of preparing pitches like this - favoring the batsmen to an utterly ridiculous degree. Unless a team is exceptionally weak in batting or commits dreadful blunders there is not a likelihood of any real interest in the match, much less of a result. It is undeniable that Pakistan management had a role in determining the nature of the pitch and it does not speak well of their self-confidence or desire for a result. They seem to be content with the prospect of a drawn series and the resulting gain of two points in the official ICC test ratings. Or they are afraid of going into the third test behind in the series. The inclusion of Abdul Razaq, an allrounder, over Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, a specialist bowler (with their already considerable batting strength) also indicates their inexplicably defensive frame of mind.