Poser for Pakistan: How do you stop Sehwag?

‘‘True, the pitch was flat but the way he batted was worrying for the reminder of the series’’, Inzamam told Reuters on Wednesday. ‘‘We had discussed him before and we are focusing again on ways to control him.’’

On a flat, lifeless pitch, Pakistan amassed 679-7 but India responded with 410-1 as Sehwag and Rahul Dravid (128 not out) fell three runs short of the world record 413-run first wicket partnership in tests.

The right-hander displayed his typical free-willed and unorthodox attributes in savaging the Pakistan attack despite regular weather delays. He belted 47 fours and a six as India scored at a run-rate of over 5.5 per over, unusually high for Test cricket.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said he had always rated Sehwag very highly and the Pakistan team was exploring ways to dismiss him before he causes too much damage.

‘‘It can be done because (South Africa’s) Makhaya Ntini is one of those bowlers who appears to get him out regularly’’, Woolmer said. ‘‘We also need to see where we can best bowl to him and get him early.’’

However, Woolmer cautioned that certain players tend to flourish against some teams and Sehwag seemed to enjoy playing against Pakistan.

Sehwag showed his penchant for the Pakistani bowlers in his debut against them at Multan in 2004 when he became the first Indian to score a triple century. He then followed it up with the double at Lahore.

Before this Test, he had struggled with his form and joked with reporters that a series against Pakistan was what he needed. The light-hearted prophecy proved correct, though Sehwag indicated after the first Test that he was not bothered by pressure and liked to play his natural game all the time.

‘‘If a ball is there to be hit I like to go for it. Batting is all about dominating the bowlers’’, Sehwag said.