1-2-3-4-5: KO count is on

India will retire tonight counting the umpiring decisions that went against them — most of all, Chopra’s lbw verdict to Shoaib, as television replays cast grave doubts about whether it was bat or pad the ball first touched. But in the main, they will have to take responsibility for arriving at the brink of defeat. For the first time in the Test series, Pakistani pacers united to lift their game to a level befitting their talent. They bowled straight, and Shoaib added bite by working up pace. The fifth ball of his second over took the speedgun to a rare frontier, 162 km per hour. That is, more than 100 miles per hour.

Indian batsmen were not exactly listless, the bowling did not exactly trouble them. They seemed to be chasing other phantoms. Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag scrambled across for a hazardous single, and the skipper had to walk back without facing a single delivery.

Sachin Tendulkar was surprised by Sami’s bounce and VVS Laxman was bowled by an Umar Gul delivery that swung away and crashed into his off-stump. Soon after Yuvraj Singh edged Sami to the keeper, and the Lahore crowd registered its highest decibel count for the Test.

Each day throws up a hero, he is duly escorted to the media room for a briefing. Inexplicably, on Wednesday there was no ‘‘press conference’’. Asif Kamal was thus denied his little podium but, in the drift of play, he had a central role. Much has been expected of Kamal and when Abdul Razzaq’s injury emptied a slot, he rose to the challenge. He made 99 on Test debut against South Africa, and today’s 73 was the key between a slender lead for Pakistan and a commanding one that rattled the opposition.

Little-known Kamal evidently possesses both temperament and elegance. He serenely partnered the tail. In his unhurried innings he despatched bowlers with exquisite shots, once steering Anil Kumble though the covers with just a little forward movement of the bat. If it is the sign of a stylish batsman to fall to a clumsy shot, Kamal’s class was certified by his dismissal. At 73, he tried to reverse sweep Kumble. It was a leaden effort. The catch by the keeper appeared apt.

India, at stumps, are either awaiting a miracle, or revving themselves up for a decider at Rawalpindi. Sehwag has sailed past his maiden second innings half-century, he has little, gritty Parthiv for company. Anything can happen. But it can safely be said that India will now be playing for pride, they will want to deny Pakistan an innings victory.

For that to happen, from this eased out track and a suddenly focused pace attack they will have to extract at least 53 runs.