Cricket / Fourth Test: Inzamam's technique lets him down

INZAMAM-UL-HAQ'S body language as he shuffled off the Headingley ground at a snail's pace with his eyes fixed on his feet, told as clearly as a loudspeaker of his dejection. A firm- footed drive with his bat miles from his pad had ended up in second slip's hands.

Confusion was written large over his features. He had come to England after a dramatic and successful World Cup with the cricket world mindful of Imran Khan's promise that he was already at least the equal of India's Sachin Tendulkar.

His innings of 60 from 37 balls had won the World Cup semi-final over New Zealand in Auckland, he had then made a smaller but significant contribution against England in the final and he must have begun to think the game was easy.

Now, he has for the first time at Test level come across English conditions and he cannot work them out. When the ball bounces consistently at an even height, does not move around off the pitch or in the air and the sun is always shining, it is indeed an easier game for batsmen.

It is not only the half-volley that can be safely driven; on a true, hard pitch the ball can, by hitting through the line, be driven on the rise. The genuine class player, no matter where he has been brought up, can adapt to any and all of these conditions.

Inzamam, for all his talent, still has this to prove. The shot that brought about his downfall had no place at Headingley and could only have helped compound the confusion within his mind.

Instinct and flair are all very well, but when seam bowlers operate in helpful conditions correct technique is the most invaluable ally of all. Inzamam has a long way to go up this particular learning curve.

Like most others who have been in this situation he will find almost everyone he meets only too eager to offer advice. He will have difficulty in deciding who to listen to, or, like some, he may think he knows all the answers himself. This is almost certainly not the case and perhaps Imran would be the best man for him to talk to.