Pakistan v Australia, Sydney (D/N) - Sunday 23 January 2005

[Maranello]

Please post all comments relating to the next Pak v Aus ODI in this thread.

Pakistan's next challenge, after overcoming the Windies is to beat the Australians. We have come close on a number of occasions recently, but in a two-competitor scenario, being second best is almost worthless. The boys have to go one step higher.

The main worries are around bowling. I am not that concerned about Shoaib's fitness, he can often be a liability in ODIs anyway. But we could do with Kaneria and Sami being recalled. An attack of Naved, Azhar and Abdul Razzaq will be eaten alive, though to be fair, Naved bowled exceptionally well against WI.

On the batting front, surprisingly things are looking very good. The opening situation has taken care of itself (though Akmal may not fire against McGrath & Co!), and we seem to have found a natural ODI batsman in Malik - wherever he bats, he will be an asset. However, a big question mark remains over Hafeez. Also another problem is our relatively slow run scoring the other day against Aus in the middle overs. Apart from Inzamam, others in the middle order are not adept at milking the spinners and lesser bowlers for 6 an over, and this means we end up placing too much reliance on Afridi and Razzy at the very end to slog their way to a big total.

So what should our team be?

[Shaka]

Well, the team management have ruled out sending for any replacements just yet on the basis that everyone in the squad is now battle-hardened and adjusted to the conditions in Australia. I'm not sure I agree with that assessment, but inevitably it leaves us with not much option for changes to the team. In Shoaib's place I have a feeling Rao will come in, and I might be tempted to play Khalil in place of Azhar as well. We have a problem with our seamers at the moment, and although Khalil didn't look up to much in the test matches, he did look quite disciplined with his line and length. Azhar looks a bit erratic to me and I'm not sure his batting is consistent enough to justify his inclusion. Tough call, but against Australia it might be worth taking the gamble, as our must win games are probably going to be against the Windies.

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

Gilchrist will be rested for the match

[Paoli]

2 matches. Gives Pakis a chance.

But i believe there are two changes beckoning for Australia, long term changes.

• Matthew Hayden out; David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Hodge--even Langer, all candidates.
• Andrew Symonds out; seems as if Harvey is the ready made replacement.

Symonds isn't a long term one, but I don't see how he'll cope with Harmison and Hoggard if he is struggling against Collins, Rana, Oram and Vettori.

[Zainub]

Rather unfortunately I think the team will be badly distracted by all the off filed incidents going on, Mohammad Hafeez being reported for his action, Shoaib being send back home (being told to rest now and get ready for India series) and an unnamed lady accusing an unnamed player for sexual misconduct, it really isn't an idle position to be in this, if we come off with a win from this game we'll deserve a lot of credit for it.

[Nikhil]

Add to it, the on-field problems. Pakistan are 16/2 in 7 overs. McGrath has bolwed 3 maidens in his first four overs and taken out Butt. Lee has got the other wicket of Akmal.

Good to see Inzimam coming up the order. He was being wasted to down below. Let's see how this partnership builds. If they don't lose wicket for atleast 20 odd overs, Pakistan will stand a chance of making a good score.

[Nikhil]

Well, Pakistan all out for 163 in under 40 overs. Only Inzimam played any substantial inning. Afridi's knock was whirlwind as usual, but what Pakistan needed was a solid inning from one of the more recognised bastmen.

This total looks insubstantial to contain this Aussie batting line up. With not much venom in the bowling attack, I think Pakistan will struggle to put any kind of pressure for a sustained time period.

[vvvrulz]

Australia will romp home, maybe those off field distractions really did take their toll..

[Seamer]

Bad toss to lose. Australia might have struggled as they did against the Windies the other night if they had to bat first in those conditions.

[workkey]

toss was the winner in todays match