Waqar’s warning to wounded Aussies: we’re here to make history
Pakistan is bubbling with confidence after dismantling Australia’s selection audition and legendary quick Waqar Younis believes his country can finally break its series duck down under.
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Pakistan’s ruthless ambush of Australia’s selection audition has fast bowling great Waqar Younis adamant this is his country’s greatest ever chance to win a series down under.
Trevor Hohns and Justin Langer met on Wednesday night to finalise a 12-man Australian squad to be announced Thursday, but there will be a brittle feel about a top order featuring two players who have just failed miserably in a selection trial.
There was a feeling going into the match that Joe Burns was firming to partner David Warner at the top of the order if he scored runs, but a first ball duck and another second innings failure against Pakistan on Wednesday has complicated the guessing game.
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The other vacancy in the middle-order looked a two-way battle between Travis Head and Will Pucovski, until Cameron Bancroft (49) potentially entered his hat in the ring with the Stephen Bradbury innings against Pakistan after everyone above him fell over.
Pakistan embarrassed the other five hopefuls trying out for Australian idol, and one of their all-time greats can smell blood in the water.
Waqar was involved in a famous win for Pakistan at the SCG back in 1995, yet the proud, but enigmatic nation is still yet to taste Test series success in Australia.
But armed with an experienced batting order and the vibrant exuberance of a young pace attack, Pakistan’s bowling coach says the two Test series starting next week is a golden chance to make history.
“Of course, that sort of performance (against Australia A) makes you feel that you’re not naïve being here and you can really do the job,” said Waqar, who was celebrated at the SCG as the 2019 Bradman Foundation Honouree.
“All those batters have played for Australia or are knocking at the door. So getting them out early and bowling out the entire team cheaply will probably give us a very good message, that we are here for the business.
“We want to win and we want to challenge this Australian side so there’s definitely confidence.
“We came very close last time when we were here (2016-17), we were very close to winning at Brisbane, and I think this team is a bit more seasoned.
“… It’s just a matter of applying themselves and getting through those early stages of the game, getting those nerves out and hopefully they’ll do the job for the country.
“This is an opportunity. There is a massive opportunity for this Pakistan team to challenge the Australian team.”
Batsmen from the subcontinent often struggle with the pace and bounce in Australia – and Pakistan have suffered from chronic collapses here in the past.
But Waqar says the likes of Babar Azam have instilled a belief in the Pakistan line-up where they will face the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc “without fear.”
“I don’t think Pakistan is worried about facing them or scared of any of them,” said Waqar.
“Last time they played against all these guys, and the pitch we just played on (in Perth against Australia A), it was nipping through and I think they managed it beautifully these guys.
“They’re very disciplined, they have got their game plans in order, and I don’t think they’re worried about any of that.”
Waqar first toured Australia in 1989 as a teenager and – now a resident down under – said he was honoured at last night’s induction by the Bradman Foundation.
“I’m very honoured and thankful to the Bradman Foundation. To be part of the elite awards they have given in the past to some big names like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Justin Langer, Dennis Lillee’s, it’s a massive honour,” he said.
AUSTRALIA’S POSSIBLE 12-MAN SQUAD TO FACE PAKISTAN
David Warner, Joe Burns/Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head/Will Pucovski, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson
Originally published as Waqar’s warning to wounded Aussies: we’re here to make history