“One small area where we’ll probably look back and think, ‘If we had taken advantage of our chances on the field, the outcome could have been different’,” Ervin said. “I think a lot of credit should also go to Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah, the way they batted was exceptional, patient and determined and they played brilliantly for long periods.”
Heavy rain over the last three days and the fact that only 13 wickets had been taken by the start of the final day meant that it was difficult for either team to get a result.
“We knew the pitch was going to come by the fifth day, maybe the last two sessions,” Irwin said. “I think it will be tough to take 20 wickets on that surface, but at the same time, you don’t know where the game is going to go.”
Erwin confirmed that fast bowler Richard Ngarawa, who missed the first Test, would return for the second Test. He said Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamuri, who took three wickets each in the game, were unwell at times but have recovered and will try to be ‘fresh and refreshed’ for the second Test starting on January 2 at the same venue .
“Blase was suffering from a little flu and a little dizziness,” he said. “So we really didn’t want to put too much pressure on him, especially when you know we only have two days between this and the next Test. Newman had been struggling with his stomach problem for a few days. So, Bowling will take more energy out of you if you are not 100 per cent, so, we thought those guys can rest and make sure they are fresh and refreshed when they come for the second Test.
“Brian Bennett scored a century in his second Test, the way he batted was really good. People weren’t really looking for sweeps, they were playing straight and keeping things nice and simple.”
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