PERTH, Dec 13: Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist has warned his team against writing off Pakistan ahead of Thursday's first Test, saying both their batting and bowling could turn a match in moments.
"All of us have seen Pakistan be hot and cold, whether it's a tour match or an international game, so we'll be wary of them still," Gilchrist said. Gilchrist echoed the sentiments of opening batsman Justin Langer who said Shoaib Akhtar, the world's fastest bowler, remained a trump card for Pakistan.
"They have that ability and the attacking flair of their players and Shoaib is a prime example," he said. "He's done it to us before, you give him a bowling spell where he can come on, particularly with reverse swing at his pace, and he can take five for 20 in one spell and totally end an innings.
The 29-year-old Shoaib has a career average of 24.32 but his form against Australia is not as solid with an average of 40.10, although he did capture 5-21 against them in October, 2002 during a Test match in neutral Colombo.
Shoaib has bowled little so far on tour and completed only 17 overs in short bursts during Pakistan's 10-wicket rout by Western Australia, but the team's management maintain he is fit and injury-free.
Langer said earlier this week he agreed with the way Shoaib had been used so far, arguing that he puts everything he has into each delivery - making him a formidable opponent.
But Gilchrist also noted the potential of Pakistan's batsmen to steal a match, despite their largely mediocre form so far. "From what I've seen of their batting - their batting has that flair where they can take it away from you in a short space of time," he said.
The Pakistanis rested on Monday although key off-spinner Shoaib Malik headed to the University of Western Australia to have his action tested by experts in human movement for any illegalities.
The Australian team also assembled in Perth for their first training session at the Western Australian Cricket Association ground ahead of Thursday's first Test. -AFP
