ISLAMABAD, Feb 1: Pakistan may surprise Australia in the next month's World Cup provided the team improves its fielding, former skipper Wasim Akram said on Thursday.

Talking to newsmen after signing a “Cricket Ambassador” deal with a leading mobile phone company on Thursday, the former all-rounder said Pakistan could be the dark horse in the mega event scheduled for March-April this year in the Caribbeans. “Australia appear favourites to win the World Cup in the West Indies. They have been winning consistently and it is becoming rather boring”, Wasim observed. “But if any team can beat the Aussies in the Caribbeans, it is Pakistan,” he said. “Wickets in the West Indies will be low, slow and dry and such pitches suit our players.”

However, the bowling great advised the Pakistan team to focus on improving their fielding to have any realistic chance of doing well in the World Cup. “Fielding will be a key factor and it can be improved if we work very hard in this department.”

To another question, he said fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's fitness would also be crucial for Pakistan’s chances in the mega event. He advised the injured pacer to concentrate on his fitness prior to the event.

“The fitness of Shoaib, skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq and players like Kamran Akmal would be very important. Inzamam is a strong captain and he also has a big say in selection of the team. Hopefully, the best eleven would be picked for every game in the West Indies.”

To another question, Wasim said the national selection committee should be rotated after every two-three years and the job should not be taken for granted by anyone. “Wasim Bari has been doing this job for many years now and a change is much-needed in this department.”

Commenting on foreign coach’s importance for the team, Wasim said he could tell from his own experience that players felt comfortable with a foreign coach because he would not take sides. “But in my opinion, Bob Woolmer is not behaving impartially which is an area of concern at the moment.”

He opined that the life-ban on former skipper Salim Malik should be lifted at once.—Agencies