Faisalabad, January 20:

Pakistan plan to throw young fast bowler Mohammad Asif into the deep end in a bid to contain India’s batting in the second Test starting here on Saturday.

Asif, who went wicketless against Australia in Sydney last year in his only Test match so far, could partner spearhead Shoaib Akhtar and Rana Naved in a three-pronged pace attack.

Asif, 23, is expected to replace Mohammad Sami, who conceded 67 runs in 12 unsuccessful overs in the high-scoring draw in the first Test in Lahore where India piled up 410 for one in reply to Pakistan’s 679-7. “Asif is one of the options we are considering because he has been bowling very well these days,” said Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq. The pace bowler hit the headlines when he picked 10 wickets in England’s practice match at the start of their Pakistan tour.

Pakistan are confident the brown pitch at the Iqbal stadium here will help the bowlers more than the one at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.

“This is a wicket on which we should get a result provided the weather remains fine,” said Inzamam. “There is a bit of dry grass on it which should help the fast bowlers at the start. This is definitely a better wicket than what we got in Lahore.” Bright sunshine over the last two days has helped in preparing a firm wicket but cold and wet weather has been forecast over the weekend.

Indian captain Rahul Dravid predicted another run-fest, but hinted the wicket may take slow turn later. “It is a bit different from Lahore but not very different,” said Dravid, who scored a century during the 410-run opening stand with Virender Sehwag (254) in the first Test. “It should be good for batting over the first three days and play up and down later. We are just concentrating on playing good cricket. The first day of the Test will be critical. How you start will dictate how the match goes.”