Things just couldn't get much better for Inzy as India were beaten 1-0 on home soil, a first Test series success over Pakistan's old rivals for 19 years.

Sri Lanka were also seen off as a new paceman in Mohammad Asif emerged for Inzamam to call on.

But a turbulent 15 months began when, missing Asif and Shoaib though injury, the skipper was powerless to prevent England gaining revenge for their series defeat the previous winter.

After a decent showing at Lord's Inzamam's men crumbled and the skipper's form deserted him as they went 2-0 down with only pride to play for at The Oval.