Melbourne, December 23: Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq believes that Australia’s aura has diminished after losing the fear factor of the bowling attack which dominated the world cricket.
Australia go into the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the MCG off some indifferent form in their victorious series against the West Indies, as well as skipper Ricky Ponting battling for full fitness after an elbow injury.
”If you look at the standard of the bowling it’s really changed. At one time they had four frontline bowlers, all great bowlers, match-winners,” Misbah said.
”Now it’s a bit changed. They don’t have Warne especially. He was one of the legends of spin bowling.
”So Australia is suffering a bit of a problem in their bowling.” However, he also believes the Aussies still pose a difficult task for a young Pakistan side, with or without Ponting.
”However they are playing, however they are performing, they are giving really tough competition to the team (they are playing against),” he said.
”In their own conditions here in Australia they are really tough to beat.
”You have to play really well to compete with Australia in Australia. We have to play good cricket.” Misbah was a late call-up to the Pakistan squad for the recent series against New Zealand, replacing former skipper Younus Khan who stood down from the tour citing poor form.
—Agencies