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Latif looks for batting improvement

September01, 2003 19:40 IST

Pakistan captain Rashid Latif is looking for his side to improve their batting in the third Test against Bangladesh as they attempt to complete a whitewash of the three-match series.

Pakistan won the first two Tests in Karachi and Peshawar by seven and nine wickets respectively and the third Test is to be played from September 3 to 7 in Multan.

"I want to see the batsmen play longer innings and give the bowlers a proper total to bowl at and help us win the third Test in a more convincing manner," Latif told Reuters on Sunday.

"The batsmen have struggled against the open field and consistent bowling by the Bangladeshi bowlers. In the third Test we need to improve."

Pakistan has only recorded 3-0 whitewash wins over touring sides twice, against Australia in 1982-83 and then over the West Indies in 1997 and Latif said a third sweep would give his side confidence ahead of their series with South Africa.

"If we finish this series with a three-nil result it will put us in the proper frame of mind for the next series against South Africa," Latif said.

The 34-year-old said the third Test squad would be strengthened with the return of batsman Younis Khan, for the injured Shoaib Malik, and off spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who replaces fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who is returning to England to play for Durham.

Younis missed the first two Tests due to family commitments while the selectors have recalled Saqlain after being ignored for three one-day tournaments after the World Cup.

Latif said he had been surprised by the performances of the Bangladeshis, particularly their batsman Habibul Bashar and Javed Omar, who have each scored a century in the series so far.

Bashar also scored 97 in the first innings at Peshawar.

"They have proved worthy opponents. They have shown improvement despite their limited resources," said Latif.

"In Peshawar we were lucky that Shoaib Akhtar got into his rhythm at the right time and helped us win the match."


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