Pakistanis can win if they keep their focus

Pakistan lack fitness, commitment, discipline and professionalism. They are a very talented side but unfortunately they don’t do any justice to their own abilities; it’s extremely important to have faith in your own ability.

If they understand this, focus on their game, set targets for themselves and improve their fielding and catching, Pakistan have the ability to beat Australia and do really well in the world cup.

It’s vital for Pakistan to get the right combination and peak at the right time. It’s about time that the senior players shoulder responsibility.

I feel that either Inzamam or Youhana should bat at number 3; that will bring some stability in the batting order, otherwise there’s no point sending some youngster in and making him the scapegoat.

It’s important for Youhana to be mentally strong and alert and be prepared to face McGrath, who’s got a tremendous line and length and doesn’t give anything away. The only way to play him is to place the ball in the gaps with soft hands, keep rotating the strike, upset the inner circle and then wait for the loose ball.

I also feel that Pakistan should play with six bowlers, there is no point in going into a match with six specialist batsmen because it never pays off —you win matches with your bowling strength and you can put pressure by taking wickets. Also, if the opposing batsmen get out of hand, you must have a spare bowler.

To win any battle you have to be mentally strong and alert and at the same time it is very important that you have done your homework on the side you’re playing against.

I have no doubt in my mind that Shoaib Akhtar is the quickest bowler in the world today and on his day he could be a world-beater and match-winner. His biggest problem is his fitness — unfortunately, he’s not a very committed and dedicated person as far as fitness is concerned and that’s going to be the key for Pakistan.

It will be absolutely imperative for him and for Pakistan that he remains fit throughout the world cup.

It will be a treat to watch Shoaib Akhtar bowling against Gilchrist; I rate Gilchrist as one of the best strikers of the ball on his day, he has the ability to destroy any bowler in the world. Shoaib has got him out in the past but he must remember the way he got him out — it’s important for bowlers to remember their victims.

It’s not easy to bowl against Gilchrist because he is quite strong on both sides of the wicket; you have to make sure that you don’t give him any room on either side. He always plays with a positive frame of mind and is never afraid of playing his shots.

Pakistan have beaten Australia in Australia not too long ago and the team should watch a video of those days and pick up on the positives from then.