KARACHI: Pakistan cricket legends believe that the current national squad have the perfect opportunity to display their prowess by beating Australia in the limited-overs series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to several former Pakistan Test cricketers, Younis Khan’s men can bring Pakistan back in the spotlight by stunning the Aussies in the series to be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from April 22.
‘With a series win over Australia in the UAE, we can send a strong message to the cricket world that Pakistan is an important part of international cricket and it should not be abandoned by the cricket fraternity,’ former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja said on Friday.
Ramiz thought that it is a big chance for Pakistan to defeat formidable Australians who are currently out of form and are placed at their lowest international ranking in recent years.
The Aussies slipped to number three in the world rankings following a one-day series defeat in South Africa recently.
The former Test opener said he was looking forward to see Pakistan give an impressive show against the Australians.
He added that the fans are waiting for Pakistan to beat the Australians. ‘A Pakistan victory in the series will reignite cricket fever in our country,’ he stressed.
Meanwhile, legendary batsman and Director General of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Javed Miandad also feels the squad sent to the Gulf is a decent one and could fare well against the world champions.
‘We have sent a good team to the UAE and I hope they will give a brilliant display against the Australians.’
'Australia are not in good form but I have always said never take any team easy; prepare yourself to your best and don’t think about the other team. Look at your own weaknesses and get rid of them. A good team is that which learns from mistakes and don’t repeat them,’ said Miandad, also a former Test captain.
Sarfraz Nawaz, a former Test paceman, said the absence of their captain Ricky Ponting in the series will affect Australia’s performance in the series.
‘Australia are not in good form and has gone down to their lowest in the ICC rankings. Moreover, Ponting is not in the team while Brett Lee is injured. Hussey is also not there. These factors should work in our favour,’ he said.
But he pointed out that Pakistan have several fitness problems which the board should take notice of.
Hanif Mohammad, a batting icon, said Pakistan have a perfect chance to beat Australia and improve their world ranking in one-dayers.
‘It will be a challenge for Pakistan as they haven’t played much for sometime, while Australia have been playing cricket regularly and will be returning from their South African assignment,’ Hanif said.
He added the series is very important for Pakistan especially after the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore. ‘The attack on the Sri Lankans did not only damage Pakistan cricket but dented the sport at the world level too.’
‘No place is safe nowadays, but cricket has to go on and should not be abandoned,’ Hanif said.
He also said the series could go in any direction as it has to be played at neutral venues, thus giving any advantage neither to Pakistan nor Australia.
‘With a win over Australia Pakistan could send a message that cricket should return to Pakistan. I hope we can make a clean-sweep as I see a lot of spirit among the boys,’ Hanif expressed.
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