Daily Times

KARACHI: In the run-up to Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Australia, head coach Mickey Arthur on Wednesday said the team has the pace artillery to battle the Aussies’ fresh-faced batting line-up and bowl the nomads of world cricket to a historic success this summer, The Age reported. A confident Arthur believes the Pakistan team are capable of troubling Australian batsmen. Pinpointing Mohammad Amir, Arthur said: “He’s not the pace of Mitchell Starc but his control is very, very good and when he gets the ball to swing he’s as good as any going around. He’s quick enough as well, he’ll be a handful. Our attack is good enough to get 20 wickets, we just have to get enough runs and that’s something we’re working extremely hard at,” Arthur said. “There’s a lot of obstacles to get over for us. This is like Australia playing in India, the conditions are totally opposite for us.”If we can master the conditions, which we’re working very hard at, and have belief to play well in these conditions we’re as good a chance as any. We have wonderfully skilled players but they’re out of their comfort zone now, just like Australia are when they go to India.”

Earlier this week, Australia skipper Steve Smith hit a record-breaking century and took two superb catches as Australia beat New Zealand by 68 runs in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy One-day International series. The victory in Sydney, combined with a face-saving win against South Africa, Australian cricket may have returned to its winning ways.

However, it’s what happens after this week that will determine whether this summer is remembered as a complete write-off for the Aussies. Arthur remains confident even though Pakistan has never beaten Australia in a Test series in Australia, losing the last six series all the way back to 1981. While Pakistan may see the series as their best opportunity to make history by winning their first series in Australia in 52 years, the hosts may be able to avoid the embarrassment of losing two series at home for the first time when the two teams meet this week. Australia’s recent victories were made possible due to the big scores by Steve Smith, David Warner and Usman Khawaja.

The trio may be expected to repeat their performance on the field when Tests resume. However, if they cannot, Pakistan see more preferable chances against Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson, who are yet to play in a live rubber. Australia and Pakistan are due to meet in a day-night Test in Brisbane and complete the series with matches in Melbourne and Sydney over Christmas-New Year.