Boring Beyond Belief

Not much to hoot about at Bulawayo

It was a day when spectators stumbled from the ground like the walking dead, their somnolent bodies bored into sleep by ineptitude and lack of adventure. 

The only thing more tired and lifeless than the unfortunate patrons of the Queens Club was the pitch which held no treasures for the quick me and no tricks for the spinners. Despite this, Pakistan, perhaps terrified of losing here in Bulawayo, batted with such circumspection  that only 241 runs were added in 91 overs. 

Mishbah Ul-Haq the only aggressor

Mohammad Hafez, who's overnight 79 was scored from hardly more deliveries, lost the will to live by the sword and in the reverse of normal fortunes, slowed to a stand still after reaching three figures. Stalling for lunch, he chipped a full toss from Hamilton Mazakadza straight to midwicket to end a second wicket partnership of 188 with Azhar Ali. Younis Khan began what was the slowest innings of the day, batting for slightly more than two session and nearly 200 deliveries for just 61. Ali became the first of three wickets to off spinner Greg Lamb after lunch which brought the Pakistani captain, Misbah Ul-Haq to the crease. He dominated a two hour 100 run partnership with Younis and whilst he was there Pakistan shown some endeavour.

One of five dropped catches

Zimbabwe fielded like minnows. On a day which started with them well in front and on a dead wicket which would offer few chances for the bowlers, they dropped five catches, some of which were elementary. Each drop added to Pakistan's timidity. If you could name a co-culprit for the slowness of the scoring, left arm spinner Ray Price would be your first target. Price wheeled away for most of the day, his 34 overs being more than a third of those bowled and conceded just 39 runs. In the end though, he at least did his job. Everything about him was tidy but rarely threatening and whilst most batsmen struggled to get him away, when Younis was on strike it looked like batting that needed prunes.

With two days left, one side has too few skills whilst the other too much fear and for a result, all the turning points had to be on this day. Instead, dead men left the ground dreaming of coloured clothing. Test cricket, which has come so far despite betting scandals and a world which has moved on, doesn't need days such as these.