History on West Indies' side for second Test

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 17: The second Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and the West Indies starts here on Thursday and the pundits of the game have already begun to predict a home team's win.

Their optimism is prompted by the formidable record that the West Indies has at the Kensington Oval. Since 1930, when the first ever Test was played on this venue against England, which ended in a draw, the West Indies have played 35 Tests and have lost only on three occasions. With 19 wins and 13 draws here, they have a history to be proud of.

Their record in four Tests against Pakistan on this ground since Pakistan's first visit to the Caribbean in 1957-58 is more impressive. They have won twice against them, once in 1987 and then again on Pakistan's last outing here in 1993 when they won despite Basit Ali's heroic.

The West Indies had a strong team then but recently things have not been as rosy. Their batting is as inconsistent as that of Pakistan and without their prolific batsman Brian Lara there is not much muscle in it.

The same goes for Pakistan. Inzamam-ul-Haq is one man who can be relied on. So far on the tour he has been virtually carrying the rest of the batting on his shoulders. His failure could be disastrous for the visiting team. His century (135) in the drawn first Test and a record sixth wicket stand with Abdur Razzaq, who made 87, had Pakistan the favourites but the Test was washed out.

Pakistan could take heart from the fact that on Kensington Oval one of their own has left such an indelible mark that it will be hard to be erased from the minds when Hanif Mohammad saved the first-ever Test played between the two countries at this venue in 1957-58. In a six-day Test, he batted for a record 999 minutes to make 337.

Inzamam has the capacity amongst the present lot to show that kind of perseverance and concentration if not all the skills that Hanif had. Pakistan will depend more on their firepower and spin than its batting resources.

Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Abdur Razzaq and Mohammad Wasim, who scored a century in the four-day match which Pakistan lost against West Indies's A, are expected to show some form.

Moin Khan and Wasim Akram with their experience have got to lead by example. And they will have to put up a match winning performance. Wasim has recovered from the pain in his left thigh and bowled in the nets impressively.

Shoaib Akhtar, the mystery man on the tour remains a enigma. He did not attend the nets on Tuesday because his is running fever. His chances, says Pakistan coach Javed Miandad, are 50-50.

"One can make its own conclusion," says Moin Khan adding: "We have fair chance on this batting wicket to make some runs and try and force a win. So far our batting has let us down."

Pakistan may even play Imran Nazir for Wajahatullah Wasti as an opener with Mohammad Wasim. He is under consideration.

West Indies have named the same team as which played in the first Test. The final eleven will be picked on the morning of the match. Franklyn Rose will, however, not be considered because he is nursing a finger injury. Ramnaresh Sarwan, who made an impressive 75 in the four-day game, may replace Gayle.

Pakistan (From): Moin Khan (captain), Mohammad Wasim,Wajahatullah Wasti, Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Imran Nazir, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mushtaq Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mohammad Akram, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Arshad Khan.

West Indies (From): Jimmy Adams (captain), Sherwin Campbell, Adrian Griffiths, Wavell Hinds, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ridley Jacobs, Nixon Mclean, Curtly Ambrose, Reon King, Courtney Walsh, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Franklyne Rose. Umpires: Eddie Nicholls, Rudi Koertzen (South Africa)

Referee: Peter Burge (Australia)