Can Pakistan shock Australia/,>

[Ernest]

All the talk on the England forum has been about the ashes series in 2005, but england have to play South Africa first.

And Australia have to beat Pakistan.

Have Pakistan got that certain player who can make a difference, who can spring a surprise on Australia, and can Pakistan with all it's vast experience of producing and playing good spin bowlers, be able to play Warne, tormenter of so many nations batsmen.

Would it nor be a turn up for the book if South Africa beat England, and Pakistan beat Australia, there would be some re-thinking for 2005.

[Chuck Palumbo]

Pakistan are the only team along with England that have the bowlers to tackle Australia on their own patch with the likes of Shoiab and Sami but you feel they will miss Shabbir and Umar Gul who would have been perfect for Australian pitches with their height and bounce they get. I also have my doubts over Pakistan's batting, both Inzy and Youhana- Pakistan's two best batsman have poor records against Australia and the rest are pretty inexperienced so I think Mcgrath and co will relish facing their batting line up.

I will say Australia will walk the series but I also said that when India toured their and looked what happened?

[Zainub]

That's a good post Chuck.

We'll miss Gul and Ahmed, but two of the other fast bowler we are taking to Aus, plus Razzaq must take this opportuntiy and make sure they make the most it. Our batting remains a concern. After our 10 run loss to Western Australia 2nd XI I don't know what to expect, but very often tour games are not accurate precursors to the eventual results of the series. I'm sure we'll do better than that against Aus.

[Ernest]

Same as you Zainub, I thought CPs post was good, but I agree Pakistan if their bowling clicks could produce a shock.

[Zainub]

Originally Posted by Ernest

Have Pakistan got that certain player who can make a difference, who can spring a surprise on Australia, and can Pakistan with all it's vast experience of producing and playing good spin bowlers, be able to play Warne, tormenter of so many nations batsmen.

We have 17 of those players, each member of our squad is a capable player, what remains to be seen though is if they can justify that potential. I beleive that if each of 11 does what its good at than we'll give Australia a really good fight. The pace attack will always be the focus of everyone's attention but I like Inzi have firm conviction in a lad called Danish Kaneria. His biggest asset is not his ability but his attitude; a relentless, determined tried, he'll bowl through out and entire session for you unchanged from one end if you want him to, and still come back after the break to bowl again. He will surprise everyone with his performances, and already has a matter of fact taking 7 wickets on a fast and bouncy track in Western Australia (not the WACA though). Batting wise, I remain circumspect, we have a lot attacking flair as Woolmer calls it at the top of our order but we are desperately short on experience. And we might rue for that sake not taking Taufeeq Umar along with us.Which is why Youhanna and Inzi's form will even more crucial.

Originally Posted by Ernest

Would it nor be a turn up for the book if South Africa beat England, and Pakistan beat Australia, there would be some re-thinking for 2005.

You mean Pak 3-0 Aus, Eng 5-0 SA and then England 5-0 Aus I can dream and I will....

[Zainub]

If our bowling clicks and we keep getting out for 83 like we did today than I'm afraid all that good work by the bowlers will be undone. Maranello made this point to me over a PM, if we bowl well and dismiss Aus for 200 but our selves get out for 100 all the pressure will be forced back on us. We must click as a unit. I can't stress enough on the need of our fielding to improve, we haven't been test class in recen times and a couple of players in particular need some real sharpenning up.

[Ernest]

Always keep your dreams Zainub, because they can turn to reality, Pakistan are one of those teams who in the past have been so unpredictble, you think they are good, and down at times they have gone.

But on the other hand, Pakistan have that ability to shock, and you have some good players, I think they need to just click.

England for years had a good team on paper, but when we played, that paper was torn up at times, but we have took the long haul back.

You have good bowlers so it is up to the batsmen to support them, I as an Englishman knows that only to well, we have never really had bad bowling attacks, but if our players got ateam out for 250, our basmen would be out for 150.

This is what Pakistan have to look out for, Australia are good, but a shock could be on the cards.

[Zainub]

I'll keep my dreams for sure, especially if you keep cheering me up like that. Thanks for that post, was a nice gesture I thought to tell me to keep my dreams alive.

I guess the only predictable thing about our side is that we're unpredictable ;-) So I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[imaginarydiva]

Originally Posted by Ernest

Have Pakistan got that certain player who can make a difference, who can spring a surprise on Australia, and can Pakistan with all it's vast experience of producing and playing good spin bowlers, be able to play Warne, tormenter of so many nations batsmen.

Ummm..well i think one of the most dangerous guys is probably Shahid Afridi;ih hes given an opputrtunity and IF he clicks we're in for some real entertainment.

[Maranello]

I don't think he is in the Test set-up at the moment; part of the squad yes, but not of the first 14 let alone the XI.