COLOMBO, 2 October — Without the apparent advantages of playing at home, a new-look Pakistan are preparing to challenge the might of Australia in an alien land in a three-Test series to be played at neutral venues.
The first Test begins here tomorrow at the Sarvanamuttu Stadium with Pakistan missing several of their regular stars – a couple having opted out and a couple due to injuries.
However, manager Brig. K.H. Nasir made a bold statement at a press conference here when he warned the Aussies to look out for a few surprises from his young team.
“This is our golden jubilee series since we have completed 50 years of cricket in Pakistan. We have a young team and youth is contagious. We have very worthy opponents in Australia but let me warn them that there are a lot of surprises in store for them,” Nasir added.
Captain Waqar Younis whose tenure has been extended till the 2003 World Cup, said it was disappointing that they were not able to play at home for security fears but added that he was happy to play in Sri Lanka.
“We have a very young but talented side. It is a little inexperienced but these players have been doing well in the ‘A’ team matches and most of them have already played Test cricket. I hope they will come good,” Waqar said.
Australians had nets in the evening. Their skipper Steve Waugh said the pitch looked very good. “We would like a good crowd to come and watch the match. That will motivate both the teams,” he added.
