Pakistan v Australia ‘10 Series Preview.
With the first Test between Australia and Pakistan getting underway in roughly a weeks time, I thought it would be a good time to bring my predictions out. Seeing as I got a perfect 100 on my last Test series against New Zealand, I’m feeling pretty good about how I should go with Pakistan. Although please let’s not forget that my Australia v Pakistan predictions earlier in the year were, well, abysmal.
You’d think after the test series I’d have a better picture of the Pakistan team, but no, seeing as half of them were banned after the tour of Australia (and then over turned) and ex-player are coming back, I’m just as lost and confused as ever, although I feel most cricket followers, including Pakistani followers, are in the same boat. With that in mind, I’ll do my best.
The Australian team is coming off a loss to the English in the one-day game, 3-2, but having won the last 2 games did install a little form (and a little pride). Australia actually came close to grabbing the series, but alas the English seem to have put together a very good team and were able to hang in during crucial stages of the first 3 games.
Australia do have a few injures, with top-spinner Nathan Hauritz out, as too keeper Haddin and paceman Ryan Harris (not sure he would have made the 11 at any rate). All three can be replaced. Hauritz has done a fine job, although young Steven Smith will take his shoes. I don’t fancy Smith as much of a bowler, but then at 21 there aren’t many leg spinners going around that could make a Test team. His 26 first class wicket have come at 48 a piece, although he did grab a good 7-wicket haul in the final game of the series, which indicated, at very least, he’s got a bit of accuracy.
His batting average of 56, with 4 centuries, could alone get him a spot as a batsmen.
Tim Paine, should be a handy replacement for Brad Haddin. His glove work won’t be as pretty as we’ve seen, but neither was Gilchrist when he started, and hopefully will be good enough for these couple of tests (btw, I’m not comparing him to Gilchrist’s batting).
Australia’s pace attack of Hilfenhaus, Johnson, and Bollinger look good. Siddle would have be nice to have back, but he’s still out with an injury. I’m also glad to see a tall young bowler from South Australia, Peter George, come into the squad. His performances for Australia A against Sri Lanka A have been eye-opening. If they are any injuries, don’t be surprised to see him get a bowl.
The batting line up remains the same with Katich, Watson, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke, and North. North position still isn’t cement, but I think on English turf he’ll do ok. Steve Smith is eyeing this fragile position.
Pakistan… geez, where does one start?
I’m glad to see Shahid Afridi as captain of the team. Love him or hate him, at least he has the support of the players (if not the entire board that tried to ban him) and he does bring a certain flair one half expects from Pakistan.
I couldn’t distinguish one batsman from the other so making a predictions here is going to be tough (and to be quite frank, I don’t have the time to plough through Pakistani cricket statistics at the moment). The bowling is a little easier. I think Danish Kaneria will do exceptionally well against the Australian’s in English conditions, something he has an amazing record in. Australia can be quite poor against quality spin bowling (yes, I’m looking at you Ponting!) so expect him to go through the top-order like a hot knife through butter at least once in the series.
So, my predictions;
Best Australian batsmen: Simon Katich
Best Australian bowler: Mitchell Johnson (I want to say Bollinger!)
Best Pakistani batsmen: Shahid Afridi
Best Pakistani bowler: Danish Kaneria
I don’t want to be quoted at all on my Pakistani predictions.
Australia should win the 2-Test series 2-nil. The Pakistani batting line up is fragile and inexperienced. Their only chance of them winning a game will have to come from the bowlers who do have the potential to knock off Australia for less than 200. To back it up with a good batting performance may be a little out of their reach though.
And of course the English weather will probably be the biggest factor if Australia can’t win either of the Tests.
6/7/2010 - Tuesday 8:25 am 
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