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Journalism of Courage
Brisbane, Jan 8: With their fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in the eye of a chucking storm, demoralised Pakistan face a tough task to turn things around as they take on Australia in the opening tie of the triangular cricket series tournament at the Gabba on Sunday.
Australia, who drubbed Pakistan last year to crown themselves World Cup champions, have looked invincible this summer.
With new pace sensation Brett Lee alongwith one-day specialists Michael Bevan, Andrew Symonds and Shane Lee added to their ranks, Australia look the best team to reap advantage from the format of the first major one-day event of the millennium.
With 12 league matches deciding which two teams will qualify for the best-of-three finals, the hosts who have been a picture of consistency will be a tough nut to crack. Pakistan have a string of all-rounders like Azhar Mahmood and Abdul Razzaq who could make all the difference, but their brittle batting will be a major worry ater the visitors lost three consecutive warm-up ties againstAustralia A and Queensland in a scrappy attempt to rebuild their challenge.
“We have not played 50 per cent to our potential. We have a very talented side. Bowling and fielding are no problem. It’s our batting. We have to bat 50 overs,” coach Intikhab Alam said.
Australian skipper Steve Waugh said the record of his team in one-dayers reflected their strength. “We have lost one game of the last 15 … that’s a pretty good record. We’ll try and keep our standards high. “We don’t want to play to other people’s expectations, only to our own. That is to be very professional and respect playing for Australia,” he said. Waugh warned his bowlers would maintain the same discipline as in the Tests.
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