West Indies want to win Chanderpaul's 100th Test by AFP

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Event:

West Indies in Pakistan 2006/07

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DateLine: 18th November 2006

 

West Indian captain Brian Lara said Saturday his team wanted to celebrate team-mate Shivnarine Chanderpaul's 100th Test appearance with a win against Pakistan in the second Test.

 

"Chanderpaul is reaching a significant milestone. Every player wants to play 100 Tests for his country and we are looking forward to celebrate it with a win," Lara said ahead of the Test, which starts here from Sunday.

 

Pakistan won the first match of the three-match series by nine wickets in Lahore earlier this week.

 

"Chanderpaul is a fighter and despite suffering from food poisoning he performed well in the second innings at Lahore and now he wanted to play this Test," said Lara.

 

The 32-year-old Chanderpaul will become the 42nd player and eighth West Indian to reach the 100-Test mark.

 

Ten Australians, eight Englishmen, six Indians, four Pakistanis, three South Africans, two Sri Lankans and one New Zealander have played 100 or more.

 

Lara said it was a do-or-die match for his team.

 

"This Test is important for us because we like to win the series, and the only way we can do that is to win this Test match first," said Lara, whose team were dismissed for a low score of 206 on the first day in Lahore.

 

"Pakistan is a team which performs very well at home. They beat England, who had come here after winning the Ashes last year so we have to be at our best."

 

The 37-year-old master batsman, who shouldered his team's batting with 61 and 122 in the first Test, urged the batsmen to perform well.

 

"Our batsman struggled and getting out for 206 was not on. Now the guys fully understand that they had played some poor shots and we need to bat better and be competitive,' said Lara.

 

"The pitch at Lahore wasn't a trouble pitch but there was movement for bowlers and it lasted a lot longer than I expected. Here it seems a slow pitch but it is also very cold and a lot of movement is expected," said Lara.

 

The weather in Multan has changed, with consistent rain, and more is forecast for Sunday.

 

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said he hoped the weather would hold for his team to enable them to take an unassailable lead.

 

"It is important that we have good five days to win this Test and pocket the series," said Inzamam, who is playing in his home town.

 

"I always want to do well and want an improvement in my performance,' said the skipper, who was dismissed without scoring in the first Test.

 

"This is a crucial Test for us because if we want to win the series we will have to win this important match. I hope we do well in every department and play as a team."

 

Pakistan are expected to bring in uncapped left-arm paceman Samiullah Niazi for allrounder Abdul Razzaq. The 24-year-old Niazi was the second highest wicket-taker in Pakistan's last domestic season, with 75.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)