Leeds, July 22: Asserting that the Headingley pitch was ideal for bowling, Pakistan pacer Umar Gul revealed that he was ‘shocked’ by Australian captain Ricky Ponting’s decision to bat first.
Australia were bundled out for a stunningly meagre total of 88 runs – their lowest total in 26 years – with Gul (2/16) and his fellow Pakistan pacers Mohammad Asif (3/30) and Mohammad Aamer (3/20) producing a fine display of swing bowling.
”We were ready (if) we won the toss to bowl first. ”(The pitch) looked like a batting wicket but it was a bit damp and there was some moisture from the last five days it was raining, and the moisture was under the wicket so I think it was a shocking decision, especially for Australia,” Gul told reporters after end of the day’s play yesterday.
The Australian pacers, however, failed to exploit the excellent conditions as Pakistan finished the first day on 148/3 to take a lead of 60 runs. Gul asserted that the Pakistan pacers have proved themselves to be superior to their Australian counterparts, at least until now. ”We are bowling better than Australia because we are bowling a fuller length and our line and length is better than theirs, so I think we are doing very well,” he stated.
——Agencies