Salman warns of complacency despite win

LEEDS: Despite winning his first Test as captain against the formidable Australians that Pakistan had not beaten for 15 years, Pakistan captain Salman Butt has warned his players to keep their feet on the ground not to let the win get to their heads.

While agreeing the fourth morning’s proceedings were ‘nerve-wrecking’ - Pakistan lost four wickets in just over an hour before Umar Gul hit the winning runs - Salman, though, lauded the efforts of a young side for overpowering the opposition after a series of 13 consecutive losses.

“Beating the world’s best is an achievement and I owe it to the young team,” said Salman. “However, we need to remember that it’s just a win and we shouldn’t be that happy as if we’ve achieved everything.

“There’s still a long way to go but this win can help us build the future and Pakistan cricket has got a new hope with the new guys who came in performing strongly. I’m certain that if we give them more time we can become a world-beating side in Test matches.”

Pakistan will now take on hosts England in four-Test series starting on Thursday at Trent Bridge. Wary of the workload that his bowlers will be under on the remainder of the tour, Salman emphasised the importance of not getting carried away despite their performance at Headingley.

“We need to keep calm and work harder. I just hope the team continues to learn and hopefully this win doesn’t get to their heads. We will make mistakes because we’re a young side but going forward, we need to accept the mistakes as well. It’s part of building a side that you stick by them even when they’re not doing well or making mistakes.”

The win, followed by endless controversies after the tour of Australia, was extra special, according to Salman, as it highlighted the team unity and fighting spirit despite the absence of seniors.

“It was a literal team achievement. Everybody chipped in. The best bit about the match was that every member was trying to help me, everyone had an idea and it was heartening to see all those players so much involved in the match.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th, 2010.