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"Our attack is good enough to get 20 wickets, we just have to get enough runs" : Mickey Arthur
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket...says-coach-mickey-arthur-20161207-gt668r.html
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur says his team has the pace artillery to pounce on Australia's fresh-faced batting line-up and bowl the nomads of world cricket to a historic success this summer.
After making drastic changes just over a fortnight ago, Australia are likely to opt for much needed stability when selectors name their squad on Thursday for the first Test starting in Brisbane next week.
While the tumult of a month ago is still fresh in the minds of many, Australian cricket has returned to its winning ways with victory in the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand following a face-saving win in the dead rubber against South Africa. But it's what happens after this week that will determine whether this summer is remembered as a complete write-off.
Against Pakistan, who are notoriously bad travellers to this part of the world, Australia have the perfect chance to avoid the embarrassment of losing two series at home for the first time. Conversely, the visitors will be seeing this as their best opportunity to win their first series on these shores after 52 years trying.
It's no coincidence Australia's rebound has come on the back of big scores to senior trio Steve Smith, David Warner and Usman Khawaja, who will again be expected to pile on the runs when the Tests resume. If they cannot, then Pakistan will fancy their chances against Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson, who are yet to play in a live rubber.
The country that produced all time fast bowling greats Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis does not have a quick of that quality on tour but Arthur believes they are all capable of troubling Australia's batsmen. Mohammad Amir is the big name, due as much to his feats on the field as a teenager when he became the youngest bowler to take 50 Test wickets as those off it when he was embroiled in the spot fixing scandal that rocked the game.
Amir has served his time – both in the eyes of the game, which gave him a five-year ban, and that of the law after being released three months into a six-month jail term.
The left-arm quick has found the going more difficult in his second Test stint, as his 25 wickets at 38 would attest, though his record would be much better if not for the double-digit chances that have gone begging off his bowling.
"He's not the pace of Mitchell Starc but his control is very, very good and when he gets the ball to swing he's as good as any going around," Arthur said. "He's quick enough as well, he'll be a handful."
The express will come from left-armer Wahab Riaz, who made his name in this country with his scintillating spell against Shane Watson in last year's World Cup quarter-final, while left-armer Rahat Ali provides the swing. Ali played only a bit part when the sides last met in 2014 in the Middle East but will be more important on the more pace-friendly Australian wickets.
"Our attack is good enough to get 20 wickets, we just have to get enough runs and that's something we're working extremely hard at," Arthur said.
In all likelihood, Pakistan's campaign will live and die on their batsmen, who in the past have failed to handle the extra bounce in Australia. Pakistan are fine-tuning their preparations in Cairns and though Arthur is happy enough with the facilities in the far north there are few places that can replicate the steep bounce of the Gabba.
"There's a lot of obstacles to get over for us. This is like Australia playing in India, conditions are totally opposite for us," Arthur said.
"If we can master the conditions, which we're working very hard at, and have belief to play well in these conditions we're as good a chance as any. We have wonderfully skilled players but they're out of their comfort zone now, just like Australia are when they go to India."
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket...says-coach-mickey-arthur-20161207-gt668r.html
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur says his team has the pace artillery to pounce on Australia's fresh-faced batting line-up and bowl the nomads of world cricket to a historic success this summer.
After making drastic changes just over a fortnight ago, Australia are likely to opt for much needed stability when selectors name their squad on Thursday for the first Test starting in Brisbane next week.
While the tumult of a month ago is still fresh in the minds of many, Australian cricket has returned to its winning ways with victory in the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand following a face-saving win in the dead rubber against South Africa. But it's what happens after this week that will determine whether this summer is remembered as a complete write-off.
Against Pakistan, who are notoriously bad travellers to this part of the world, Australia have the perfect chance to avoid the embarrassment of losing two series at home for the first time. Conversely, the visitors will be seeing this as their best opportunity to win their first series on these shores after 52 years trying.
It's no coincidence Australia's rebound has come on the back of big scores to senior trio Steve Smith, David Warner and Usman Khawaja, who will again be expected to pile on the runs when the Tests resume. If they cannot, then Pakistan will fancy their chances against Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson, who are yet to play in a live rubber.
The country that produced all time fast bowling greats Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis does not have a quick of that quality on tour but Arthur believes they are all capable of troubling Australia's batsmen. Mohammad Amir is the big name, due as much to his feats on the field as a teenager when he became the youngest bowler to take 50 Test wickets as those off it when he was embroiled in the spot fixing scandal that rocked the game.
Amir has served his time – both in the eyes of the game, which gave him a five-year ban, and that of the law after being released three months into a six-month jail term.
The left-arm quick has found the going more difficult in his second Test stint, as his 25 wickets at 38 would attest, though his record would be much better if not for the double-digit chances that have gone begging off his bowling.
"He's not the pace of Mitchell Starc but his control is very, very good and when he gets the ball to swing he's as good as any going around," Arthur said. "He's quick enough as well, he'll be a handful."
The express will come from left-armer Wahab Riaz, who made his name in this country with his scintillating spell against Shane Watson in last year's World Cup quarter-final, while left-armer Rahat Ali provides the swing. Ali played only a bit part when the sides last met in 2014 in the Middle East but will be more important on the more pace-friendly Australian wickets.
"Our attack is good enough to get 20 wickets, we just have to get enough runs and that's something we're working extremely hard at," Arthur said.
In all likelihood, Pakistan's campaign will live and die on their batsmen, who in the past have failed to handle the extra bounce in Australia. Pakistan are fine-tuning their preparations in Cairns and though Arthur is happy enough with the facilities in the far north there are few places that can replicate the steep bounce of the Gabba.
"There's a lot of obstacles to get over for us. This is like Australia playing in India, conditions are totally opposite for us," Arthur said.
"If we can master the conditions, which we're working very hard at, and have belief to play well in these conditions we're as good a chance as any. We have wonderfully skilled players but they're out of their comfort zone now, just like Australia are when they go to India."
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