While Pakistan went down to Sri Lanka 3-1 in a five-match ODI series, Australia have slipped in the world rankings more so after a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of England. However, a fresh start is what both teams are looking for with Pakistan relying on their familiarity in UAE conditions to give them an edge over the former world champions.
Unusual timings of the games coupled with the UAE heat might play on the minds of both teams but Pakistan captan Misbahul Haq was in a buoyant mood. He said his players will make an extra effort to register a series win over Australia, which has eluded them since a 2-1 win in 2002.
“Of course, whenever there is such a thing it charges the team in an extra way,” said Misbah. “It needs an extra effort to combine and beat an opponent who we have not beaten for some time.”
Pakistan have only two survivors in Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik from the team which beat Australia 10 years ago.
“Australia are one of the top teams, it’s difficult to beat them because they are a fighting team in any conditions of the world.”
Misbah also dismissed the idea that Pakistan were relying only on their spinners.
“We have to bat well and fast-bowlers are very important for us because the ball reverse swings in Sharjah. We have to do well since the World Twenty20 starts after this and we couldn’t give the kind of performance that we wanted in the last two series, so its a good chance for us to stage a comeback.”
Meanwhile, Australia have their own worries but experienced batsman Michael Hussey said the team was determined to stage a comeback.
The 37-year-old left-hander missed Australia’s tour of England last month due to family reasons but believed Australia 4-0 loss in his absence makes them more determined to win. “The guys have got a real sting in the tail after losing in England and we want to put in a good show,” said Hussey.
The left-hander said he was ready to open the innings in case the team management asks him in order to shield Matthew Wade who opened the innings against Afghanistan and then kept wickets in the UAE heat.
“Whatever the team needs. If Wadey did make a hundred in these oppressive conditions batting first and then has to go straight out and ‘keep, that would be a difficult thing.
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