February 9, 2006	Thursday	Muharram 10, 1427

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SYDNEY, Feb 8: While England made headlines with their entertaining Ashes win over Australia, Pakistan quietly build up strength to position themselves for their next tilt at cricket champions.

After being demolished 3-0 in 2004-05, Pakistan didn’t go away and sulk; instead, they weighed up their options and have been steadily building their arsenal.

“A comprehensive Test series win against England and now a victory over India is proof of their correct approach,” noted former Australian captain Ian Chappell.

“Pakistan now have a deep squad of players who are aggressive and versatile and second only in those qualities to Australia,” he said.

“Any list of champion teams always has one common denominator –- a strong and varied bowling attack with at least one pace spearhead.

“Now that Shoaib Akhtar has got his act together, Pakistan have a reliable spearhead and fact that they have luxury of two explosive all-rounders in Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq, means there is plenty of variety in their attack,” Chappell said.

“In addition, Afridi and Razzaq are bowling all-rounders — a breed worth their weight in gold.”

Pakistan’s impressive arsenal also includes a high-class frontline spinner in Danish Kaneria. To complete picture, they possess a classy wicketkeeper in Kamran Akmal who can bat like a top order player, also have depth in bowling and batting is improving.

According to Chappell only weakness is their age-old problem of inability to catch well in slips.

“If Pakistan can find a couple of good slippers to complement their classy keeper and back their strong bowling line-up then, they can tackle Australia with no fear.

“Pakistan’s rebuilding program has been so successful that they, rather than England, are now most likely challengers to Australia’s supremacy.

“Not only do Pakistan have skill in their line-up to trouble Australia, they also possess aggressive type of cricketers who can play boys in Baggy Green at their own game.

“As that challenge is a couple of years away one area that might be of concern is their captain Inzamamul Haq.

“He is reaching age where injuries re-occur but victory over India, should give Pakistan confidence they can match Australia even if Inzamam is no longer around,” he said.

“Pakistan always had a great production line that keeps churning out skilful young cricketers. The other big improvement has been in man management skills.

“In past Shoaib’s tantrums would have seen him tossed on scrap heap but his value has been recognised, effort made to compromise and now fast bowler is an integral part of team,” he remarked.—Agencies