One can say that Akhtar’s back injury was a bolt from the blue. The bowler missed most of the opening day’s play and the entire duration of the Indian innings on day two, despite being on field. The rule-book permits an injured bowler to bowl only after he has spent as much time on-field as he has spent away from it.

But the howlers that Pakistan’s decision-makers made while deciding the playing XI were there to see as they suffered yet another miserable day on the field. On the eve of the Test, Pakistan captain Younis Khan had said that they would go all out for a win and the only result they were looking for was a 1-1 draw. “It wouldn’t matter if we lose 0-1 or 0-2. Even a draw wouldn’t help us,” he had said, promising an aggressive approach from his team.

But the conservative team line-up showed that Pakistan were not in do-or-die mood. A bat-heavy playing XI meant that it would be tough for the visitors to take 20 wickets. Despite having the all-rounder Arafat in the side, they excluded the reasonably successful left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir. Today, as Akhtar stood on the field as a mere spectator, and Tanvir did drinks duty, it was clear that Pakistan’s problems were partially man made.

With the pitch at the Chinnaswamy Stadium not aiding bowlers and the frontline pacers from either sides sidelined, odds are high that it could turn out be the tamest series between the arch rivals in recent times.

... contd.