But he has not been confirmed as skipper for the Ashes at the end of the year.

Waugh, who is beginning a stint with county side Kent, knows he has got to perform well if he wants to play against England.

He has not played a competitive game of cricket since the third Test between Australia and South Africa in March.

Australia are set to play a Test series against Pakistan from 1-24 October.

Where the matches will be played are still to be decided after Australia refused to play in Pakistan because of security fears.

Waugh told a news conference in Canterbury on Monday: "Pakistan are a very hard side. We're not sure of the venue yet which makes it more difficult.

"We always have good results against them.

"We have a style they don't like although they are a very good side."

Waugh was dropped from the one-day squad which will play in a triangular series in Kenya and the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.

And he knows his place in the Ashes squad is not certain.

The 37-year-old said: "I don't fully expect to captain in the Ashes. I've got to play well against Pakistan.

"I'd love to be captain against England but it's not guaranteed."

Waugh will play for Kent for the remainder of the season.

Dual boost

Kent are currently second in the County Championship, but are 36.25 points behind Surrey with four matches remaining.

They are also in contention to repeat as one-day National League champions, currently lying third in the table.

Waugh, who last played county cricket with Somerset in 1987, replaces Andrew Symonds at the St Lawrence Ground as the Queenslander is set to join Australia's one-day side.

"It's 15 years since I've played county cricket but it's a good opportunity for myself and also for Kent to win the Championship," Waugh added.

Waugh denied he was in England on a spying mission ahead of the Ashes.

He said: "If I wanted to watch England I could watch them on the television.

"I had an invitation to come here, it wasn't my request, and I accepted it. I've come here to do my best for Kent."