COLOMBO, 8 October — Left-handed Pakistani opener Taufeeq Umar is another star in the making.

The 21- year-old left-handed opener is also a useful off-break bowler.

In domestic cricket he bowls regularly.

Last year he joined the select club of batsmen who have scored a century on debut.

He earned the distinction against Bangladesh in Multan when four other Pak batsmen also scored hundreds.

But his 88-run knock against Australia in Pakistan’s second innings must be worth more than his century as it was compiled against arguably the world’s best pace attack and highly trying circumstances.

When Umar and opening partner Imran Nazir went out to bat on Sunday, Pakistan were chasing 316 runs for a win in the first Test of the three-match series.

There was tremendous pressure on their young shoulders.

They both batted sensibly and Umar in particular was extra watchful.

Nazir got two lives in compiling his 40 but Umar kept going without giving a chance.

However, a sudden rush of blood resulted in his only indiscretion as he slashed at Brett Lee to be caught at second slip.

“It was disappointing to get out after I was well set. I hope my innings helps Pakistan to win the Test. Then it will be worthwhile,” Umar said after the day’s play.

About the sledging Umar said: “I gave them back good and proper when they used abusive language against me.

It did not upset me at all.” The excellent temperament displayed by Umar for someone so young, combined with his sound technique and you have the ingredients of a great batsman in the making.

***** Australian sledging THE Australians are notorious for their sledging.

Sledging in cricketing parlance means engaging the batsman in a war of words by passing comments against him.

They are highly competitive and true professionals.

They believe that winning is the ONLY thing.

And so they want to win at all costs, even if it means the unfair tactic of sledging.

That is why they are world champions in both versions of the game Tests and One-Day Internationals.

The abundance of talent in the Australian team resulted in skipper Steve Waugh making the famous statement that he could pick his team from a hat.

With the match apparently slipping from their grasp on Sunday, the Aussies were fighting tooth and nail to come back into the game.

First it was Glenn McGrath who was involved in a war of words with Umar.

And then wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist was unhappy at the way Nazir swung his bat and told him in no uncertain terms what he thought of his action.

On both occasions, the umpires intervened and sought Steve Waugh’s help to bring the situation under control.

Going by this Test, the series promises to be an interesting one.

The next two matches will be played in Sharjah.

***** General’s message THE Pakistan Cricket Board has brought out a brochure on the occasion of its three- Test series against Australia.

It contains a message from PCB Chairman Lt.

Gen. Tauqir Zia in which he says: “Taking on Australia, inarguably the best side in the world in recent times, even in the best of form is a challenge. With depleted resources this becomes even more difficult.” The general continues: “I am positive that Pakistan would prove a worthy match. The youngsters who have filled the vacant slots are extremely talented and surely have the resourcefulness to match wits with the best of the best.

Given the fighting spirit of the Pakistan team and Australia’s power, I believe that it would turn out to be a highly competitive, well-fought series.” And judging by the closely fought first Test, it does promise to be a thrilling series.

***** Cricket jokes THE brochure brought out by the PCB contains cricketing jokes, apparently to provide comic relief.

I would like to share with the readers two of my favorites from the brochure: “An expectant father rang the hospital to see how his wife was getting on.

By mistake he dialed the number of the Lord’s cricket ground.

How is it going, he asked.

Fine, came the answer. We have got two out already and hope to have the rest out before lunch. By the way, the last one was a duck.”

And this one: “The cricketer was proud of his progress as a batsman and invited his mother-in-law along to watch him play,” hoping to impress her.

At the crease he turned to the wicketkeeper and said, I am anxious to do well and really hit this ball hard. That’s my mother-in-law over there. The wicketkeeper replied: “Don’t be silly. You will never hit her at 100 yards.”