India off to a disastrous start, 65/4 at lunch

Bangalore, Dec 8 (UNI) Struggling on a seaming wicket, India were off to a disastrous start, losing four wickets for 65 at lunch on the opening day of the third and final Test against Pakistan at M Chinnaswamy stadium here today.

Yasir Arafat, who came in for Sohail Tanvir, wrecked the Indian innings, claiming three for 22 in seven overs.

Sourav Ganguly (12) and Yuvraj Singh (0) were at the crease at lunch.

The Indians, leading the series 1-0, were put in the dock as the seaming wicket was fully utilised by the Pakistani pace bowlers.

Shoaib Akthar and Mohammad Sami put the openers under pressure, with Sami moving the ball appreciably outside the off stump and Akthar testing the Indians with short pitched deliveries.

Sami's good work was rewarded when he forced Gautam Gambhir to edge a rising delivery from good length to Kamran Akmal who completed a fine catch.

Arafat, who came as first change bowler replacing Akthar in the 11th over, struck three quick blows, removing Rahul Dravid, Wasim Jaffer and VVS Laxman in his deadly first spell of seven overs.

UNI