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Pakistan is hosting the series against the number one ranked Australian Test team. However, 'hosting' in this case is loosely defined as holding the first Test in Sri Lanka and the remaining two Tests in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan continues to suffer the ramifications following the attack on the United States just over one year ago.
Since that attack, no international team has completed a tour of Pakistan. New Zealand came closest after they abandoned their tour following the first of two scheduled Tests when a bomb exploded outside their hotel in May this year. Continuing domestic unrest makes a tour of Pakistan unlikely for the foreseeable future.
Since Pakistan was bundled out of the Champions trophy in the first round, a series of announcements have further hampered Pakistan's preparations. Inzamam-ul-haq (heel) and Yousuf Youhana (shoulder) announced they were scheduled for surgery to correct long-term injuries. Later, Saeed Anwar further weakened the batting line up by withdrawing while Wasim Akram announced his unavailability for the series. When experience is required to defeat Australia, Pakistan had just lost 279 Tests worth of experience.
The Pakistan Cricket Board then released coach Mudassar Nazar after a series of poor performances by the team. Richard Pybus was announced as the replacement coach - the fourth time he has been appointed coach of Pakistan.
Finally, team manager Yawar Saeed was recalled from Sri Lanka to be replaced by former manager Brigadier Khawaja Muhammad Nasir after Yawar advised he was unable to continue through to 2003 World Cup.
Pakistan last hosted the Australians in 1998 and lost that series 1-0. The series has been fondly remembered after then captain Mark Taylor declared overnight when on 334 and having equalled best Test innings by an Australian, which was set by (Sir) Donald Bradman.
Pakistan holds an advantage when hosting the Australians. Australia has played six Test series in Pakistan and has only won twice in 1959 and 1998. However, as noted, the home ground advantage is somewhat diminished with the Tests being held elsewhere. In all Tests between the two nations, Australia has won 18, drawn 17 while Pakistan has won 11.
Pakistan may benefit from the first Test being held in Sri Lanka since Australia lost their last Test series in Sri Lanka. In addition, despite Mark Waugh's considerable Test record, he has a terrible record in Sri Lanka. The pressure will be on both Mark and twin Stephen during this series.
Both brothers have indicated they will not choose the time of their retirement and will play until the selectors no longer want them. Such announcements place a heavy burden on the selectors. Both are legends of the modern game and extremely popular in Australia. There was an adverse public outcry when the selectors recently axed the pair from the one-day team.
While the Waugh brothers cannot play forever, their eventual axing is likely to be problematical. The Australian selectors have a record of making the hard decisions where veterans and legends are concerned. However, the selectors have more often than not failed to bring the cricketing public along with them for a seamless transition.
The twins have both expressed a desire to at least battle England for the Ashes during their next domestic season starting in November. Only solid performances in the series against Pakistan will ensure their wishes become reality. Both have played short spells in England as the Test team has not played for the last seven months - one of the longest breaks in recent years.
Australia's record on the sub continent over recent years has not been as strong as other venues. Australia has not won a Test series in India since 1969, in Sri Lanka since 1992 while they defeated Pakistan in 1998 for the first time in almost 40 years.
From a ratings perspective, Australia should win the series against Pakistan. Australia enters the series with a rating of 1214, which is only one point short of the highest rating by any Australian team. Further, Australia currently holds the fourth highest rating by any team in history.
Ranked first, Australia must win the series to maintain their current rating. If Australia concedes no more than one draw then they will lift their rating above the previous highest Australian rating of 1217 points set under Lindsay Hassett in January 1952. Owing to their large 84-point lead over second placed South Africa, Australia cannot lose first place in the ratings regardless of the result of this series.
Pakistan is currently ranked third and can gain rating points if they draw the series. Similar to Australia, Pakistan will remain in third place in the ratings regardless of the outcome of this series. Pakistan has a considerable 20-point lead over fourth placed England with an even larger 54-point difference to second placed South Africa.
The latest Test cricket ratings are: 1. Australia (1216); 2. South Africa (1133); 3. Pakistan (1079); 4. England (1059); 5. Sri Lanka (1041); 6. India (1032); 7. New Zealand (1025); 8. West Indies (1009); 9. Zimbabwe (911); 10. Bangladesh (831).
