Day three report

India reached 145-0, replying to Pakistan's mammoth 679-7 declared.

The pitch has offered little help to the bowlers but Woolmer said the winter weather had hampered Zahid's efforts.

He said: "We didn't know what we would get because of the cold weather. You need a couple of days of hot sun to allow a pitch to turn."

The former England batsman added: "Every Test team has to put up with what it gets. And I don't think the groundsmen got a proper opportunity to prepare a sporting track."

The forecast is not good for the next two days so I think it will be a draw Bob Woolmer

Woolmer also denied that he or captain Inzamam-ul-Haq had any role to play in the preparation of the pitch.

"My view is clear on this. I give my views but don't like to interfere in anyone's work," Woolmer explained.

"I have always stressed on having sporting tracks for Test cricket, one which supports both batsmen and bowlers.

"We had three good Test pitches against England and it led to good cricket. I hope the second Test one is more sporting."

Woolmer is resigned to going to Faisalabad all-square after bad light and rain allowed only 15 overs to be bowled on Sunday.

If we can get a few early wickets we will have a chance to press for victory Inzamam-ul-Haq

The forecast for Monday and Tuesday is not good but Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq insisted: "The match is not over by any means.

"Hopefully the weather will be better on the fourth and fifth day because we have the runs on the board and can keep India under pressure.

"If we can get a few early wickets tomorrow, we will have a chance to press for victory."

India coach Greg Chappell paid tribute to skipper Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, who looked comfortable despite the frequent interruptions.

"It is not easy to go out there against a 650-plus total but Sehwag and Rahul played really well despite the inconsistent light.