PERTH, Dec 13: Australian paceman Glenn McGrath has batting trumps Inzamamul Haq and Yousuf Youhana in his sights and he has warned Pakistan to expect a rough ride on an old-style Perth pitch this week.
McGrath, who traditionally picks out a personal target in the opposition batting line-up, believes if he can conquer the Pakistani pair, Australia will be almost assured of victory in Thursday's first Test.
He expects a well-grassed WACA Ground wicket to be the perfect vehicle for Australia to harass an out-of-form Pakistani top order that has looked at sea in its opening matches on tour.
"Inzamam and Youhana are the keys," McGrath said. "Pakistan need them to click if they are going to perform. They will be the ones I will be paying special attention to.
"They may not have done much in the tour games, but teams can perform poorly then go well in the Tests. "I think the wicket will suit us. I have played here nine times and the wicket is often not as helpful as it is made out to be.
"But this wicket looks as if it will be quite helpful. There should be a bit in it. Apparently there was a bit in the wicket here at the weekend (when Pakistan lost to Western Australia)."
McGrath has an imposing record against the men he has focused on, with West Indian great Brian Lara, England's Mike Atherton and South Africa's Gary Kirsten all wilting under his relentless accuracy and mind games.
New Zealand's Nathan Astle was in McGrath's aim in last month's Test series and the battle skewed Australia's way. McGrath only dismissed Astle once, but the Kiwi averaged a relatively harmless 31.50.
Inzamam and Youhana are pillars of Pakistan batting order, averaging between 48 and 50. But they haven't enjoyed great success against Australia. The pair has combined for 31 Test centuries but only one has come against the world champions - Inzamam's 118 during the memorable Hobart Test five years ago. -Agencies
