Rameez Raja Photo © PCB

With the first phase of the NatWest triangular now over, the Aussies lead with full points from their two games, followed by Pakistan while England complete the frame, at the bottom.

Pakistan could have easily been on top of the table, had the upper order batted with a touch more responsibility against Australia and not frittered the game away after having seen through the new ball.

Shoaib Akhtar tears in to bowl Photo © CricInfo

But then, the Pakistanis were, to a great extent bogged down by injuries, first with Wasim Akram sitting out and then Rashid Latif and Shoaib Akhtar breaking down during the game. That really upset their game plan, especially in the crucial latter half.

Shoaib Akhtar's exceptional pace means he does go for a few runs, but he is a wicket-taking bowler. Half his quota of overs remaining unbowled was thus a serious blow. And so was Rashid Latif's absence from the field. The wicketkeeper plays the role of a pivot, and a dehydrated Rashid, not being able to stand behind the stumps too had its negative impact.

Rashid, who played a glorious knock in Pakistan's comeback, was unfortunately suffering with throat infection, and the antibiotics he'd been taking caused the dehydration.

Yet, despite the defeat, there were things to celebrate, some real plus points.

Youhana with a drive on his way to 91 not out Photo © CricInfo

The first was the rearguard action by Yousuf Youhana and Latif. From 86 for six, to fight back and end up with 257 takes some doing, especially against the Australian bowling attack and sharp fielding. Youhana and Latif deserve all credit for a great partnership when all seemed lost - their effort was one of some real guts and character.

While Latif had played a few cameos in the Test matches and Youhana was trying to work his way back to form, their stay at the crease and the runs now behind them augurs well for their confidence. More importantly, it brought the team back into the game from a point when it seemed the game would be as one-sided an affair as the '99 World Cup final between these two teams.

It all started with two crucial blows, on rather innocuous deliveries, with Abdur Razzaq and Inzamam perishing in Shane Warne's first over. While Inzamam was done in by a fit of bravado - perhaps he wanted to put Warne in his place straightaway; Razzaq doesn't play spin very well in any case. Azhar too seems to have a similar problem. At least that is the impression one gets from the manner in which they start struggling the moment a spinner arrives. Oddly, they alter their game plan, and that is why both got out playing inside the line.

Ricky Ponting on his way to a score of 70 Photo © CricInfo

The Aussies are famous as run chasers, and when Ricky Ponting strikes such a rich vein of form, there's no stopping them. Waqar didn't do many things wrong, but he surely erred in not bringing on his spinners, especially Saqlain Mushtaq, a trifle earlier.

There's lot of cricket left in this tournament and it's too early to predict anything. The way Pakistan has staged a comeback, to win the Old Trafford Test and the first match of the triangular in a convincing fashion, points to the fact that the team is now getting along well. And, with Waqar Younis proving to be an effective leader, they are likely to play some more sparkling cricket.

The way I see it, almost two years to date since the '99 World Cup final, it should be Pakistan and Australia slugging it out at Lord's, come June 23.

The picture for the Pakistanis really looks bright, and reflects from the good notices in the British press, which otherwise in turns, is either hostile or condescending. In quite a few pieces the resurgence of the Pakistan team has been applauded.

A major contributing factor in Pakistan's turnaround has been the spectators. The Pakistani expatriate community has filled the stands in good numbers, and the green and white flags fluttering with some vigour have provided the much-needed fillip to the morale of the team. The spirit and optimism of the spectators has rubbed off on the team and has motivated them to put up a united front and perform well.

I hope with the crowds keeping faith in the Pakistanis, they would keep on improving.

Ed: Rameez Raja is a former Pakistan opener and captain, a leading commentator on satellite channels and currently covering the England - Pakistan Series followed by the NatWest limited-overs triangular for Sky Television.

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