- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 218,133
Tabloid stuff this so read at your own intellectual risk 
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/c...ent-on-home-turf/story-fnq1ugvn-1227268431891
AUSTRALIA coach Darren Lehmann says Pakistan will draw false inspiration from their Test series triumph on dead Arabian strips with dinky bounce ahead of Friday’s World Cup quarter-final in Adelaide.
Pakistan is citing a 2-0 Test series win in the United Arab Emirates last November against an Australian outfit containing spearheads Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc as cause for optimism entering the knockout final.
However Pakistan has won four of 17 one-day matches in Adelaide while their batting can be brittle under pressure a world away from the Middle East.
“The wicket did not bounce at all in Dubai so you can say we will have three times as much bounce in Adelaide as Dubai where it didn’t bounce above knee height,” Lehmann said.
“It is a totally different story which we are looking forward to.”
Opener Sarfraz Ahmed says his side is stocked with crack left-armers of their own and has nothing to fear from an Australian side it has seen and conquered before.
Lehmann countered, saying leading World Cup wicket-taker Starc (16) is in the form of his life.
Johnson, with nine scalps this tournament, is also recovering rhythm and brimming to front Pakistan at the venue where he destroyed England with 7-40 in the second Test two years ago.
“Mitchell Starc has been outstanding and the bowler of the tournament and I have been really happy with Mitchell Johnson, the way he has come back,” said Lehmann with Johnson conceding 0-68 from six overs in the group game against New Zealand at Eden Park.
“He is starting to hit his straps at the right time and looking good. Our attack is looking as good as theirs.”
Lehmann famously hit the winning runs in the 1999 World Cup final against Pakistan at Lord’s but urged his men to create their own place in Australian sporting folklore.
“It was a great memory but these guys have a chance to create their own history,” said Lehmann.
“It will be a tough game. We are looking forward to some support, we want a packed house obviously and we need to bring our A-game as you do.
“The batting performances from both sides will be the key.”
Australia is deciding whether to blast away Pakistan with Pat Cummins’ thunderbolts supporting Johnson and Starc or opt for Josh Hazlewood’s awkward bounce and control.
Pakistan’s pace attack is their strength with Sohail Khan, Ehsan Adil, left-armers Wahab Riaz and Rahat Ali all firing. Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi is due to explode in his farewell tournament.
Veteran batsman Younis Khan was omitted for all-rounder Haris Sohail in the win against Ireland but Lehmann said Australia was “preparing” for anything his Pakistan counterpart Waqar Younis rolls out.
“They are going to be a really good side, have lots of tricks in their cupboard as we have. We are looking forward to two good attacks going at it,” said Lehmann, urging his hometown fans to be Australia’s 12th man on Friday against a rival on a four-game winning streak.
“When you reach the knockout stages you have to perform well. Hopefully the result goes our way against a quality side and we move on to Sydney.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/c...ent-on-home-turf/story-fnq1ugvn-1227268431891
AUSTRALIA coach Darren Lehmann says Pakistan will draw false inspiration from their Test series triumph on dead Arabian strips with dinky bounce ahead of Friday’s World Cup quarter-final in Adelaide.
Pakistan is citing a 2-0 Test series win in the United Arab Emirates last November against an Australian outfit containing spearheads Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc as cause for optimism entering the knockout final.
However Pakistan has won four of 17 one-day matches in Adelaide while their batting can be brittle under pressure a world away from the Middle East.
“The wicket did not bounce at all in Dubai so you can say we will have three times as much bounce in Adelaide as Dubai where it didn’t bounce above knee height,” Lehmann said.
“It is a totally different story which we are looking forward to.”
Opener Sarfraz Ahmed says his side is stocked with crack left-armers of their own and has nothing to fear from an Australian side it has seen and conquered before.
Lehmann countered, saying leading World Cup wicket-taker Starc (16) is in the form of his life.
Johnson, with nine scalps this tournament, is also recovering rhythm and brimming to front Pakistan at the venue where he destroyed England with 7-40 in the second Test two years ago.
“Mitchell Starc has been outstanding and the bowler of the tournament and I have been really happy with Mitchell Johnson, the way he has come back,” said Lehmann with Johnson conceding 0-68 from six overs in the group game against New Zealand at Eden Park.
“He is starting to hit his straps at the right time and looking good. Our attack is looking as good as theirs.”
Lehmann famously hit the winning runs in the 1999 World Cup final against Pakistan at Lord’s but urged his men to create their own place in Australian sporting folklore.
“It was a great memory but these guys have a chance to create their own history,” said Lehmann.
“It will be a tough game. We are looking forward to some support, we want a packed house obviously and we need to bring our A-game as you do.
“The batting performances from both sides will be the key.”
Australia is deciding whether to blast away Pakistan with Pat Cummins’ thunderbolts supporting Johnson and Starc or opt for Josh Hazlewood’s awkward bounce and control.
Pakistan’s pace attack is their strength with Sohail Khan, Ehsan Adil, left-armers Wahab Riaz and Rahat Ali all firing. Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi is due to explode in his farewell tournament.
Veteran batsman Younis Khan was omitted for all-rounder Haris Sohail in the win against Ireland but Lehmann said Australia was “preparing” for anything his Pakistan counterpart Waqar Younis rolls out.
“They are going to be a really good side, have lots of tricks in their cupboard as we have. We are looking forward to two good attacks going at it,” said Lehmann, urging his hometown fans to be Australia’s 12th man on Friday against a rival on a four-game winning streak.
“When you reach the knockout stages you have to perform well. Hopefully the result goes our way against a quality side and we move on to Sydney.”
