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Bob Woolmer Thought I Was Wrong in Declaring Early in 2005 Bangalore Test, Says Inzamam-ul-Haq

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first and posted a mammoth 570 in the first innings and bowled out the hosts for 449.

Walking down memory lane, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq recalled an incident when then-coach Late Bob Woolmer thought he was wrong in declaring early against India at Bangalore in 2005 – the Test which Pakistan eventually won by 168 runs.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first and posted a mammoth 570 in the first innings and bowled out the hosts for 449.

The visitors then declared at 261 for 2, a decision which Woolmer believed was “wrong”.

“When I was about to declare in the second innings, I sent a message to Bob Woolmer that I wanted to give some overs to India today. Woolmer said that the captain and vice-captain should make that call.

“I asked Younis who agreed with me. I wanted to take a chance and called for the declaration. When I came back Woolmer said that he thought my decision to declare was wrong,” Inzamam said in his Youtube channel.

The 50-year-old said it was his decision to declare early which eventually helped Pakistan win the Test.

“India had to save the last day and they went into a negative mindset. Virender Sehwag was the only player who I thought could take the game away from us.The next day, I told my team that if we get Sehwag then they won’t be able to chase it down.

“That day, Razzaq ran Sehwag out. I thought that if Razzaq can run a batsman out, then it is definitely our day. India went into defensive mode after that wicket. I attacked with our fielders and even a batsman like Sachin Tendulkar couldn’t score. When we got to the last part of the match, we got an extra six or seven overs which vindicated my decision to declare early,” he said.

The Bangalore game, which was Inzamam’s 100th Test, was the third match of the series with India leading 1-0.

“My 100th Test match (in Bangalore) was a very special moment for me. The entire tour was very special,” Inzamam said.

“The Bangalore Test was very important for us as a team. When we were going for that India series in 2005, all analysts and former cricketers claimed this was the weakest Pakistan team touring India.

“They believed we would get quashed by a strong India side. We did not have a powerful bowling attack and I, as captain, was confused how we would get them out.”

The stylish right-handed batsman also said that many players had refused to tour India, thinking a defeat would see his departure as Pakistan skipper.

“Some key players had even refused to tour India in this series and I was left with a very weak attack against a very strong Indian batting line-up. I think they believed that after losing this series I would be removed as captain and that could create chances for them,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)

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