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| | Monday, 7 October, 2002, 10:59 GMT 11:59 UK No easy ride for Aussies  Glenn McGrath sends Shoaib Akhtar on his way Australian skipper Steve Waugh predicted his side would find it even more difficult against Pakistan in Sharjah after coming out on top in the opening match of a three-Test series. They looked in danger of defeat in Colombo with Pakistan requiring only 137 on the final day and seven wickets remaining. But Australia's bowling attack turned the match their way with Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie picking up the last five wickets to see them home by 41 runs. Waugh admitted that rain which washed out the final session of play on the fourth day had helped his side by enabling them to regroup. "We felt the Pakistanis were a bit pensive this morning and we knew we had to tighten the screws with a few quick wickets. Warnie did that at the start," said Waugh. "I think Pakistan should be pleased with the way they played and fought back. "I expect a hard series in Sharjah, where conditions suit them." Gillespie worry He singled out Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for special praise after his five-wicket burst on the third day.
"It was one of the great spells of fast bowling. When a bowler comes at you at 150kph and reverse swings the ball, there is bound to be trouble," added Waugh, who was out second ball. Australia will travel to Sharjah with a doubt over the fitness of Gillespie, who suffered a calf injury. The selectors may decide to send for an extra player to provide cover, but they have a ready-made replacement already with the squad in Andy Bichel. Pakistan, meanwhile, must now try and emulate India, who came from behind to beat Australia 2-1 on home soil last year. "What we really needed was one partnership which could have won us the game, but it didn't really happen. Overall, I think our youngsters produced some good cricket," said captain Waqar Younis. "I think in Sharjah it will be a different story, we'll probably bowl better in the first innings which will put us in a good position." Pakistan beat West Indies 2-0 at the desert venue earlier this year. | |
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