Pak coach Intikhab is convinced his team can come up trumps against Australia
Pak coach Intikhab is convinced his team can come up trumps against Australia Taking a cue from India's and South Africa's Test victories over hosts Australia, Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam is confident his team can come up trumps during their forthcoming tour of this country.
Pakistan are scheduled to play three Tests, five one-dayers and one Twenty20 match in Australia immediately after their current tour of New Zealand where their performance has been far from impressive. (At the end of day three of the third and final Test at Napier yesterday, Pakistan were 128 for no loss in their second innings after being 148 runs in deficit in the first innings).
While labelling Australia "beatable" Intikhab, a former Pakistan captain and outstanding leg spin bowler, also laughed off suggestions that his job as manager was in doubt.
"There's no doubt that it (the tour) will be a step up," Intikhab told the media yesterday. Australia are one of the best teams in the world and you have to give them that credit.
"It's going to be a challenge for us to go there and try and do well against them.
"They are still one of the best sides in world cricket, but that's not to say they can't be beaten.
"They can be beaten and other sides like India have done that the last time they were there.
"The South Africans also beat them there and, to me, that means there's a very good chance for us as well.
"This side, if we play up to our potential, especially in the batting department, I think we have a good enough bowling unit to get them out twice."
Alam also said Australia, who were pushed to the limit in salvaging last week's Adelaide Test against the West Indies, had lost their aura of invincibility.
"They have lost some match-winners, there's no denying that", he said. "Adam Gilchrist is not there. Glenn McGrath is not there. Shane Warne is not there either, and it makes a lot of difference.
"When you lose so quickly three match-winners, it makes a lot of difference. Naturally, it provides a great opportunity for other people to play for Australia but I think it's going to take some time before they reach that same standard they had."
Alam laughed off suggestions that his job was on the line and that he could be axed immediately after the present New Zealand series.
"I have signed a two-year contract and these reports are nothing but speculation," he said.
"People have different ideas and different motives. I'll be getting on the plane with the team when we go to Australia.".
