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PakPassion - Pakistan Cricket Forum - Tick Tock ... the countdown to Pak V Aus in Dubai[Media Reports]

The hype is unbelievable in Dubai and the Gulf - everyone, even the Indians are talking about this series. There is an expectation of something very special and the press today is full of coverage about this series. Here are some snippets: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php...=73847&Itemid=1 Quote: : Pakistan cricketers gearingup for series against Australia: Yawar KARACHI, Apr.

17 (APP):‑ Manager Yawar Saeed has said Friday that Pakistan cricket team is gearing‑up for the off shore series against Australia which explode into action at the state‑of‑the‑art Dubai Sports Stadium on April 22. “Younis Khan’s team is mentally and physically motivated for the series ahead,” he told APP in a telephonic interview from Dubai.

“We are eagerly looking forward to the series. “This is very important series from various aspects including bringing back cricket to Pakistan,” he said. “Our mission is to beat Australia to show our firepower.

If defeat Australia it will send a positive signal in cricketing world,” he remarked. “If your’s is the best team it can help in bringing back international cricket back to Pakistan,” he hoped. He said that the plus with Pakistan team is the very positive approach of skipper Younis Khan.

“He (Younis) is very clear minded and wonderful human being who is not complaining of anything,” he said. 74‑year‑old Yawar Saeed, whose father Mian Saeed was Pakistan history’s first Captain, said Younis’s the best Captain he had seen in recent decades. “He (Younis) led from the front in Test series against Sri Lanka and who can forget is monumental 313 under pressure in Karachi,” he said. He described Dubai Sports City Ground as one of the best in the world.

“It can rated among the top five,” he said.

Yawar Saeed said currently its heavy but grass is mowed from the outfield which likely to make little faster. He said Pakistan team is doing training session late in the afternoon because day/night matches starts at that time. He said his team has done four to five strenuous training sessions since their arrival from Lahore. Yawar Saeed said playing conditions are perfect with temperature just under thirties.

“Its similar conditions like back home,” he said. He said they are also monitoring dew conditions in late afternoons to acclimatized accordingly. “We are lacking in international cricket but Pakistan team is quite capable of toppling World Champions Australia,” he maintained. “Currently we don’t have any fitness problem and boys are in good nick,” he said. The five ODI and one Twenty20 International series was to be played in Pakistan but shifted to UAE because of security fears by Australian team after firing incident on the touring Sri Lankan team at Lahore on March 3. Quote: : http://www.business24-7.ae/articles...0b11664fd3.aspx The long wait is almost at an end UAE cricket fans get to see Shoaib Akhtar tearing in at Dubai Sports City stadium this week.

(AFP) By Ahmad Lala on Friday, April 17, 2009 As the rest of the cricket world awaits the start of the Indian Premier League, cricket fans in Dubai are eagerly waiting for the first international match to be held in the emirate. World Champions Australia will take on Pakistan in a five-match ODI series, which begins on Wednesday, at the Dubai Sports City cricket ground. The newly-built stadium will then host the second game on April 24, before the teams move across to the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

There they will play three matches – on April 27, May 1 and 3 – before returning to Dubai for a one-off Twenty20 international on May 7. Australia travel to the UAE with plenty of match practice under their belt, as for the past three-and-a-half months they have been involved in a home and away series with South Africa. They have found it tough in South Africa and have lost the one-day series against the Proteas 3-1 – with the final game of their tour taking place today – slipping to No3 on the ODI rankings for the first time since the system was implemented by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2002. However, Australia still start the Chapal series in the UAE as favourites against Pakistan, who have played only three ODIs this year.

The troubled Subcontinent country was in the middle of a series with Sri Lanka at home in February when terrorists attacked the visitors' bus, forcing the matches to be abandoned. The implications the attacks could have on the 2011 World Cup to be held in the Subcontinent will be discussed by the ICC in Dubai today and tomorrow. Pakistan captain Younis Khan, whose team arrived in Dubai last week, is not particularly concerned about his side's lack of match practice and believes it is something international cricketers should be able to cope with. "We have had no one-day games in the past couple of months, only the three games against Sri Lanka, but recently we had our domestic season and all our players were playing in that," said the 31-year-old.

"We are lucky we played a lot of games in Pakistan and it was back-to-back matches with no rest. "But as international cricketers you have to deal with this, you can't say 'Oh we were not playing cricket before', you have to get used to any conditions you play in. "Sometimes it is difficult, but if you are strong mentally you will get used to it." Pakistan have named their strongest available squad for the series and have even included injury-prone speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

Together with seamers Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir, the three form a potent new ball attack. On the batting front, they also boast some talented stroke players in Salman Butt, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik and Khan himself. The captain though, refuses to pinpoint any particular player who could be key for the side.

"I don't want to put extra pressure on anybody, especially Shoaib Akhtar," he said.

"In the past captains have been pointing to individual players and that puts pressure on them, but the main idea is for the senior players – we have four or five good senior players – to play to their potential and everybody should play as a team. "Cricket is a team game and it is not for one individual batsman or bowler.

I'm trying to make it simple and not force or put any pressure on any individual player." Australia meanwhile, have chosen to rest captain Ricky Ponting, batsman Michael Hussey and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson for the series as all three have been playing continuously since September. Those players are seen as vital for the Ashes series against England in June. However, instead of rejoicing the fact he will face slightly weakened opponents, Khan reveals he is disappointed by the trio's withdrawal. "Ponting, Johnson and Hussey are excellent players," said Khan.

"For me it is unlucky though, that as captain for the first time against Australia I don't get to face Ricky Ponting. "He is a fantastic captain and I will miss him, but Australia have a strong set-up and won't be weak." How the pitch at the new venue will play is anyone's guess at the moment, although it is expected to be similar to wickets in the Subcontinent – thus a good batting strip. There will also be an issue of dew in the field for the team bowling second, but the groundsman plan to use a chemical agent to combat the problem during the innings interval. Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam is impressed at the new facility, from what he has seen thus far saying: "You must understand it is a newly laid wicket, with seven pitches on the square and it will take time to get an overall feel for how it plays." "But I have to congratulate Dubai Sports City for building the finest cricket stadium I have seen.

Just looking at the field makes you want to play cricket, it looks beautiful and lush. Sponsorship Ahmed Chapal, Executive Director for Chapal, says the reason the property development company has decided to become the title sponsor for the upcoming Pakistan-Australia series is to "motivate" the younger generation to play the game. "This is not a sponsorship to publicise my company, it is to bring cricket to Dubai and Abu Dhabi," said Chapal.

"To be part of this tells other companies if Chapel can be involved, so can they.

It can bring more cricket to this country and motivate youngsters to play the game. "After this event I will also contribute as much as I can for cricket to remain a strong sport in Pakistan – even if it's played some-where else. The youngsters there should be motivated that there are companies who are willing to invest in the game and who are willing to do things that will help them play in the future." While most companies are being more conservative during these times of economic uncertainty, Chapal believes it is a good time to be involved in sports sponsorship. "Business has to go up and down – right now it's down, but that doesn't mean we have to back out of things," says the staunch Pakistan fan. "This is a perfect opportunity to tell the public 'the company is doing fine and you don't need to worry'. "It is a perfect time to bring this here so people can forget what's going on and enjoy the game, and pray for Chapal." Quote: : Haddin Eager to Play at DSC’s Cricket FacilityKT Report 17 April 2009 Print E-mail DUBAI — Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is eager to play in Dubai Sports City’s new 25,000-seater Cricket Stadium.

The 31-year-old, deputy to Michael Clarke, was also keen to see how the new surface at the Stadium 
will pan out. Australia play Pakistan in the Chapal Cup consisting of five One Day Internationals and a one-off Twenty20 game.

The first two matches of the ODI series will be played in Dubai, while the remaining three will bowl out in Abu Dhabi’s Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The Twenty20 match will be played at 
Dubai Sports City. “The wickets in Pakistan have always traditionally been batsmen-friendly so it will be really interesting to see how the new wicket plays.

At the moment everything is very much up in the air.

I can’t wait to play inside the new stadium, especially as it is the first game to be played there;

It will be really exciting,” he told the Khaleej Times. Haddin also said that the whole squad will need to prove themselves during the series, if they want to be selected for the Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes Series. The Australians will arrive in the UAE, fresh from a one-day series defeat against South Africa, determined to justify their places in the squad ahead of a vital summer of cricket.

“This Series is very important to Australia when you look the players who have been recalled to the side,” said the Australian 
wicketkeeper. “Andrew Symonds is coming back for his first game in a while, and Shane Watson, Brett Lee and Shaun Marsh will all be looking to impress with the World Cup and Ashes just around the corner.” Haddin has stamped himself in the side as the long-term replacement to Adam Gilchrist.

The 31-year-old has already recorded more than 50 catches in both one-day internationals and the Test arena, with an impressive batting average of over 30 runs in both forms of the game.

“I really hope everyone comes out for the Series.

I know there will be a lot of Pakistan fans, but many Australians also live and work in the UAE, including my brother and his wife.

I am really looking forward to meeting up with them,” 
said Haddin.

Quality cricket against a quality team.

At last ! Sorry India fans but Australia and South Africa are the teams to beat and this will be true test of where our boys are. Frankly I agree with Zaheer Abbas we are better than them, we just have more talented cricketers, issue has always been whether we can channel that talent.

Under Younus and with a fit and firing Shoaib Akhtar I believe we can. We also have added advantage we have Gul, Tanvir and Younus who have played against some of these guys in their backyard whilst these guys seemingly have no idea against spin and won't be used to the pitches. Butt, Shahzad look decent opening combo Younus, Misbah, Malik and Alam are solid middle order. Decent late order hitters in Akmal, Gul, Arafat, Tanvir Excellent spin options Malik, Afridi, Ajmal, Alam Superb world class pace Akhtar and Gul

I havent been this excited about a Pakistan series for a while now.

I really wish I had booked some tickets for these matches. Really looking forward to seeing how our biys measure up against one of the top sides in the world. Even if we dont win this series, I hope the team provides its fans with some good perforances and 100% effort and commitment.

And Afridis turn to do some talking.... Quote: : http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Cricket/10304882.html Afridi hungry for Aussie battle By Gautam Bhattacharyya, Deputy Sports Editor Published: April 16, 2009, 23:00 Dubai: Shahid Afridi, the dashing Pakistan allrounder and a big crowd favourite in the UAE, cannot wait for the one-day series against Australia to start. "There is a tremendous hunger among the team to win and all of us are looking forward for the series to begin," Afridi told Gulf News from his hotel room. The first one-dayer comes off at the newly-built cricket stadium in Dubai Sports City on April 22. Stepping into Dubai from Karachi Thursday morning, Afridi said that with no international cricket currently happening in Pakistan, there is an extra urge among his teammates to prove themselves. "The team has also started to combine well under Younus Khan's captaincy and the series could not have come at a better time.

The boys enjoy a great comfort level in the UAE and hopefully, we will have a good series," he said. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen the UAE as "home" for this series, Afridi has a special affinity for the crowds here since the Sharjah days because of the huge presence of Pathans. "Each community has its own heroes and they have treated me like one in Sharjah and recently in Abu Dhabi.

Aapne admi ke samne perform karne me jyada maaza ayega (It will give me greater pleasure to perform well before your own men)," he said. Asked if the present Australian team will be any easier to take on than the ones in the past, Afridi sounded a word of caution for his teammates. "See, the team is still trying to come to terms with the loss of greats like Hayden, McGrath and Warne.

Every team has to go through such a phase of transition and that too with the captain [Ricky Ponting] not in the best of form. "However, the advantage with the Australians is their basics are very strong with the academies and other things in place to produce fresh talent.

As opponents, I would say that this is the best time to go after them," said Afridi.

The world champions have been humbled 3-1 in the ongoing one-day series against South Africa, with the final one-dayer scheduled today. Will it make things any easier now that Brett Lee has also been ruled out of the series after failing to recover from the ankle injury? "Looks like the Lady Luck is with us this time," Afridi said tongue-in-cheek. Moving to the topic of terrorism and cricket, Afridi reiterated his appeal to the cricket-playing community of the sub-continent to rally behind each other. "I would like to compliment the Sri Lankan cricketers for taking a stance that they would still be ready to come back to Pakistan. "I think the Asian cricket community should help each other to keep the game going in this part of the world," he added.

What is it with pakistani players and making stmts?? Is there no restriction on who can speak to press and what they can say? At the mo every1 is making stmnts be it afridi, akhter etc etc BTW re this thread i hope we can bring pakistan back in the news for positive on field news during this series and restore some pride and glory

Just 5 days left. Bring it on Ozzies!!

MIG - Is the hype going to reflected in ticket sales? To me, it wont mean anything if its just armchair fans passing an opinion and then not going to watch the games.

Can't wait to see Jamshed, Butt, Misbah, Akmal, Malik, Fawad, Afridi, Akthar, Arafat, Tanvir, Gul and Shahzad in Action.. Talking about Aussie team...

Its too weak... All players are new...

I don't even know the names of all players in the squad...

Let me remember some names.. Brad Haddin, Micheal Clarke, Stuart Clarke (is he coming?), Shaun Marsh, James Hopes, DJ Hussey, Shane Watson, Nathan Brackan, Haurtiz, Fregurson, . Thats all I know!

Rather that give out interviews, Haddin should seriously get out in practice and work on his stumping, 24/7.

Quote: : Rather that give out interviews, Haddin should seriously get out in practice and work on his stumping, 24/7. Maybe he want to compete Akmal!

:-)

Quote: : MIG - Is the hype going to reflected in ticket sales? To me, it wont mean anything if its just armchair fans passing an opinion and then not going to watch the games. Just discussing this with some folks locally and they feel that PCB should have encouraged airlines etc to setup packages for fans to come to Dubai. Have a feeling that local Pakistanis, already worried about jobs/savings will stay away - apart from the Friday games, i would think that stadium will not be full.

Just a feeling - hope I am wrong. Also just watching Aus losing to SA has injected some new life to this series - shows that Australians have some life left in them - so who knows how the crowds will react?

And Dean Jones weighs in ... Quote: : http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story...ryId=1093244158 UAE- A lot at stake for both teams in the Chapal Cup MENAFN Press - 16/04/2009 Former Australian Star Dean Jones says Pakistan will be a ‘Dangerous’ Test for Australia in the UAE The former Australian batsman, Dean Jones believes that both Pakistan and Australia have something to prove in the Chapal Cup series, being hosted in the UAE from next week. Next Wednesday in Dubai the two sides will meet in a one-day international for the first time since 2005, with the full series comprising five ODIs and a one-off Twenty20 match. “A lot of things are at stake: Australia will announce their squad for the World 20:20 at the end of the tournament - so that will depend on some of the guys’ performances in this Series - and the Ashes will be announced in early May so a lot of players will have an eye on that,” said Jones. “The Australians will be going really hard, while Pakistan will just be happy to playing.

They have to prove their worth and they are a very dangerous team, but technically they do not do well against the Australians.

It will be interesting to see how it pans out.” Jones, who will be commentating on the Chapal Cup for host broadcaster Ten Sports, played in more than 160 one-day internationals for Australia, and helped develop the game into a very attacking sport – inventing many of the styles and methods seen in the game today. “The Chapal Cup will be a very big opportunity for Pakistan with Australia.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they start throwing some punches early.

I think it will be a real even contest,” he added. The two teams will contest the opening match at Dubai Sports City’s new 25,000 capacity cricket stadium on Wednesday, 22 April 2009. The second match in the Series will also be played there on Friday, 24 April. The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will then host the teams for the last three one-day internationals, Monday, 27 April, Friday, 1 May and, Sunday, 3 May. The Chapal Cup Series is then completed with a spectacular one-off Twenty20 match at Dubai Sports City’s Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 7 May.# “The Series is a great way to spread some really good will around the world to see Australia and Pakistan get together, have some fun, play some good cricket, and lets hope cricket in Dubai will be really well supported and everyone comes down to support their team. Cricket fans in the UAE don’t often get the opportunity to see this level of cricket,” added Jones. Prices range from just AED 50 up to AED 950 for the most exclusive seats.

Corporate hospitality packages are also available from Dubai Sports City on (+971) 4 425 1111 and Abu Dhabi Cricket Board on (+971) 2 558 8331.

Can't wait for this series to begin!

Am i the only one too excited about this series.

I am all excited about Imran khan going to Karachi on May 3rd and this time he might not even need visa to go there..

Can't wait only 15 days to go

Quote: : Can't wait to see Jamshed, Butt, Misbah, Akmal, Malik, Fawad, Afridi, Akthar, Arafat, Tanvir, Gul and Shahzad in Action.. Talking about Aussie team...

Its too weak... All players are new...

I don't even know the names of all players in the squad...

Let me remember some names.. Brad Haddin, Micheal Clarke, Stuart Clarke (is he coming?), Shaun Marsh, James Hopes, DJ Hussey, Shane Watson, Nathan Brackan, Haurtiz, Fregurson, . Thats all I know! Its easy to call Australia weak until you look at Pakistans performance against Sri Lanka in Jan, Afridi and Akhtar managed to take 1/237 in the series and the whole team was bowled out for 75 runs in the last game. The only thing going for Pakistan is Australia have rested their stars and the team is tired from playing non stop cricket.

This series means nothing to Australia and will not be taken seriously.

The players will not be subjected to the normal training regime and will use the series as a wind down from the intense cricket played over the last eight months.

All this talk of calling Australia weak is, IMHO, very silly. I watched them play the last ODI against SA and purely on fielding alone, they can take a clean sweep in UAE. Quote: : http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/st...51-2882,00.html The performance is a welcome relief for the Australians ahead of their five-match series against Pakistan which starts in Dubai on April 22. Openers Brad Haddin (62) and Michael Clarke (66) top-scored in Australia's 7-303. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 256 in 45.5 overs. Mitchell Johnson took 3-58 for Australia and finished the series with 13 wickets at 17.07. "It's just a bit of a shame that it has taken until the last game for some of our better cricket to come out," Australian captain Ricky Ponting said on Friday. "We definitely batted with a lot more freedom tonight than we probably had in the last few games. "It's pleasing to finish the series the way we have.

Yes it's disappointing to have lost the series but we wanted to take whatever we could out of this last game. "Certainly for the guys going to Dubai, they can take a bit of confidence out of that now and winning this game here. "It's good to have that winning feeling back around the group again." [/Quote: ]

Quote: : Its easy to call Australia weak until you look at Pakistans performance against Sri Lanka in Jan, Afridi and Akhtar managed to take 1/237 in the series and the whole team was bowled out for 75 runs in the last game. The only thing going for Pakistan is Australia have rested their stars and the team is tired from playing non stop cricket.

This series means nothing to Australia and will not be taken seriously.

The players will not be subjected to the normal training regime and will use the series as a wind down from the intense cricket played over the last eight months . and they call themselves professionals?

What about the paying fans around the world?

Do you agree with this nonsense?

Quote: : and they call themselves professionals?

What about the paying fans around the world?

Do you agree with this nonsense? Yes I do agree with it, Australia have been playing too much cricket lately and the players need time to recuiperate and this is the chance.

Its just a meaningless ODI series and that is reflected by the absence of Johnson, Hussey and Ponting.

Australia are sufering from a lot of injuries at the moment and this is because of the amount of cricket they play.

Right now the focus is on getting the squad ready for the Ashes series and they need to have a rest from training to be ready for that.

They will be taking it easy on the track for the next couple of weeks beore building it up again for the Ashes.

Quote: : Its easy to call Australia weak until you look at Pakistans performance against Sri Lanka in Jan, Afridi and Akhtar managed to take 1/237 in the series and the whole team was bowled out for 75 runs in the last game. The only thing going for Pakistan is Australia have rested their stars and the team is tired from playing non stop cricket.

This series means nothing to Australia and will not be taken seriously.

The players will not be subjected to the normal training regime and will use the series as a wind down from the intense cricket played over the last eight months. Rubbish! If Australian players of tired of too much cricket, then Pak players are rusty coz they haven't played cricket in ages, thats why i don't see any logic into looking at those bowlers stats. What a terrible attitude from once World champs, looks like they are only interested in playing India,SA and England now (interestingly English OD team, is waaaay weaker than even the present day Pak OD team)!

Quote: : All this talk of calling Australia weak is, IMHO, very silly. I watched them play the last ODI against SA and purely on fielding alone, they can take a clean sweep in UAE. [/Quote: ] They probably will.

Quote: : Yes I do agree with it, Australia have been playing too much cricket lately and the players need time to recuiperate and this is the chance.

Its just a meaningless ODI series and that is reflected by the absence of Johnson, Hussey and Ponting.

Australia are sufering from a lot of injuries at the moment and this is because of the amount of cricket they play.

Right now the focus is on getting the squad ready for the Ashes series and they need to have a rest from training to be ready for that.

They will be taking it easy on the track for the next couple of weeks beore building it up again for the Ashes. They have an obligation to put in their best - anything else is the same as match fixing. An attitude such as this is an affront to cricket fans worldwide - I would have hoped that you would have felt the same but then you are, well, what you are. On a positive note, I am guessing that Australian cricketers feel nothing like what you want them to feel - otherwise the whole idea of playing international cricket is meaningless and farcical to say the least.

And the umpires for this gladiatorial contest are: Quote: : http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnu...00904171440.htm Dubai (PTI): New Zealand's Jeff Crowe was on Friday appointed match referee for the five-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia starting April 22 in United Arab Emirates. Crowe's compatriot Billy Bowden will stand as on field umpire for the ODIs along with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointments, while the one twenty20 match after the ODI series will be officiated by PCB appointees. Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, which hosts the opening match of the series on April 22, will become the 172nd venue and the third in the UAE to stage an ODI, the ICC said in a statement on Friday. Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Stadium will host the last three ODIs of the series

Quote: : They have an obligation to put in their best - anything else is the same as match fixing. An attitude such as this is an affront to cricket fans worldwide - I would have hoped that you would have felt the same but then you are, well, what you are. On a positive note, I am guessing that Australian cricketers feel nothing like what you want them to feel - otherwise the whole idea of playing international cricket is meaningless and farcical to say the least. Well Ponting, Johnson and Hussey will not be there so I guess they do feel that way.

CA have stopped Tait from playing in the IPL so he will be fit for the T20 cup so its quite clear they are giving the players some rest time before builing up again.

Quote: : They have an obligation to put in their best - anything else is the same as match fixing. An attitude such as this is an affront to cricket fans worldwide - I would have hoped that you would have felt the same but then you are, well, what you are. On a positive note, I am guessing that Australian cricketers feel nothing like what you want them to feel - otherwise the whole idea of playing international cricket is meaningless and farcical to say the least. True, and if such series means nothing to them and if they can't put their best, then they should stop playing cricket.We don't need drama queens on cricket field.

Yep - sure Fish. Meanwhile, back on earth, the Pakistani team in their official photo at Dubai... http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Cricket/10305132.html Get ticketed By M.

Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter Published: April 17, 2009, 22:42 Abu Dhabi: Tickets for the three one-day international cricket matches to be played in Abu Dhabi between World Champions Australia and former champions Pakistan went on sale on Friday. Tickets for the two matches on April 22 and 24 at Dubai Sports City Stadium are already on sale, and are reportedly selling fast. Zayed International Cricket Stadium will host the Abu Dhabi matches on April 27, May 1 and May 2, and Abu Dhabi Cricket Club President Dilawar Mani said preparations were in full swing. "The two teams will arrive here on April 25 and will stay at the Al Raha hotel close to the stadium.

Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of ACC, has ensured all assistance is available to ensure a smooth series," Mani said. "Fans with valid tickets will be provided with security wrist bands," he said.

Quote: : Yep - sure Fish. Meanwhile, back on earth, the Pakistani team in their official photo at Dubai... Missing C mmander Butt. He should always be in snaps!

I can't wait for this series to begin man!

I don't know why i'm so excited i really don't, maybe it's because we'v not played australia in a proper series for some time

Quote: : They have an obligation to put in their best - anything else is the same as match fixing. An attitude such as this is an affront to cricket fans worldwide - I would have hoped that you would have felt the same but then you are, well, what you are. On a positive note, I am guessing that Australian cricketers feel nothing like what you want them to feel - otherwise the whole idea of playing international cricket is meaningless and farcical to say the least. I completely agree.

All cricketers (or any other sportsmen) when playing for their country feel special pride and always want to play to their potential best.

So I dont think any of the Australians in the squad would be taking the series any lightly. Critically speaking the decision to rest Ponting, Hussey and M Johnson is a tactical one. Ponting seems to be losing focus in last few months.

His bat is flowing runs but not according to the situation/demand of the game.

He is seemingly mentally exhausted.

Once the leader of demolition force (McGrath, Warne, Gili, Hayden, Symonds) and now struggling to keep his team's winning momentum, it has understandably taken toll on Ponting and he has got quite mentally exhausted.

So resting him seems very logical. Hussey has been not in any sort of form over last few months.

Even in last ODI between SA & Aus I heard commentators saying that Hussey's defensive approach is not giving Aus any advantage.

More than just resting, seems he has been dropped.

So that also seems quite logical. M Johnson is definetely the most notable omission from the squad.

He has been going great with the ball as well as quite exceptional with bat.

It would have been great to see him in action against Pakistan but we should all realise that these days weather in UAE is usually soaring hot.

Johnson is the only MAIN consistent striker of the Australians pace attack and he is being nursed and rested after a hectic summer (Not like our funny way of planning to nurse Shoaib midway in the series).

The way the high profile cricketing nations are playing cricket these days (with the exception of Pakistan) with nearly no break for players, they (especially fast bowlers) need to be rested to keep them away from Injury.

So resting Johnson is also logical to me. and by the way....

Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson all are worldclass cricketers.

And in the current form of Ponting/Hussey seems a better selection than them.

Quote: : The only thing going for Pakistan is Australia have rested their stars and the team is tired from playing non stop cricket.

This series means nothing to Australia and will not be taken seriously.

The players will not be subjected to the normal training regime and will use the series as a wind down from the intense cricket played over the last eight months. Utter garbage - try telling what you have written to the up and coming players in the Aussie squad and the ones trying to establish themselves in the team.

I have never known an Australian team not to take every single match seriously and play to their best ability and this series will be no different.

Stadium looks amazing and Shoaib Akhtar has big smile on his face.

Looks to be fit and raring to go.

Okay so i was playing cricket with my Indian friend.

I told you guys have the worst fast bowlers.

His reply was '' Pakistan were 25 for 5 agaisnt SL ''.

I told him back '' Wait around 4 days, we'll see who has the last laugh then''.

So I'm really confident that Pakistan can do something special here.

INSH ALLAH Pakistan will win this series, and convincegly.

After all the cancellations and controversies, a series win is what we want..

When I saw MJ, Dubya and Hussey in the last match vs SA, they looked like they were on their last legs.

It has been a long summer of cricket and they need a rest.

It's not intended to be a disrespect to Pakistan, because we've still picked a side that we think can win the series.

MJ has bowled more deliveries than anyone in the past 12 months - it will be irresponsible to keep pushing him to the point where he suffers a serious injury.

As for Hussey and Ponting, they need a break as their form has been really down. I know the desire is to see the "best" players, but to put things in context someone like Callum Ferguson has been in better form than Hussey or Ponting the last ODI series against SA.

Don't worry, we're not sending a joke team or one we feel can't win the series.

There's no such thing as a meaningless ODI series to Australia, because we want to win every series we play. Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson are not joke players either.

I'm not sure where people are getting the idea that we're sending a joke side.

The overall goal for OZ teams is to be in a position where we can pick from a pool of players to field TWO teams of international standard at the same time if we have to, in the event of injuries or loss of form or retirements.

To do that you have to constantly create competition for spots and to expose people to international cricket. That said, some series are probably treated more seriously than others, and the Ashes Test series is top of that list.

That's not intended to be disrespectful - I'm sure Pakistan sees a Test series against India to be more important than an ODI series against England for example.

Quote: : Missing C mmander Butt. He should always be in snaps! Who are the two lads sitting between Misbah and Akhtar?

OZ, Australia will be taking Pakistan lightly at its own peril.

Time and time has shown again that you NEVER COUNT OUT PAKISTAN EVER when it comes to cricket.

You are still playing an ODI tournament against a major Test team.

The world may be conspiring against Pakistan off the field, but its still 11 on 11 game and we will give it our best on the field despite lack of preparation.

Just can't wait for the series to begin.

I have a very good feeling that we will beat the Aussies this time around, the only disappointment is that they actually have a stronger ODI unit.

I would have preferred Ponting and Hussey on current form than Symonds (who always plays well against Pakistan) and Watson (a very good all-rounder, who will be out to prove a point).

Can you hear the drums of war ? Heres some more from the local press: 1.

So they arent taking this seriously? http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story...ryId=1093244348 2.

Gulf News: http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Cricket/10305447.html Quote: : Aussies keen to keep on rolling By K.R.

Nayar, Senior Reporter Published: April 18, 2009, 22:57 Dubai: The Australian team is keen to continue the momentum of their victory in Johannesburg in the last one-day match of the five-match series against South Africa into Dubai for the Chapal Cup series against Pakistan. Australia skipper Ricky Ponting, who will be resting for the series against Pakistan after beating South Africa by 47 runs at the Wanderers ground on Friday, said: "This victory will give the team some spark heading into next week's one-day contest against Pakistan." Australia is being led by Michael Clarke in the series against Pakistan. The Australian players arrive in Dubai in two batches.

Those who are not playing in South Africa but have been selected for the series against Pakistan arrived yesterday at 5am. The rest of the Australian team led by Clarke will arrive from South Africa this morning and start training by evening at Dubai's new cricket stadium. Australia lost the series 3-2 to South Africa but is delighted by the victory as they posted a huge 302 for 7 against South Africa. The series win has also helped them clinch the second slot in the ICC ranking table. "For the guys going to Dubai, they can take a bit of confidence out of winning this game here.

It's good to have that winning feeling back around the group again," added Ponting. The players who arrived yesterday are Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh and Doug Bollinger, who replaced Brett Lee. Speaking about the series, David Hussey, the younger brother of Michael Hussey, said: "It is a great opportunity for us to be the first team to play at the Dubai Sports City's new Cricket Stadium, so hopefully we can put on a good show and go on to win the Series." "We need to build some momentum and play our best cricket.

This is why we have arrived in the UAE a couple of days early to use the training facilities, and formulate a plan from here," said the 31-year-old lower order batsman and right arm off break bowler. "Every time you play for Australia, you want to win the fixture.

It doesn't matter if its Pakistan or South Africa, you just want to win the game of cricket. "It is a great opportunity to play in the UAE at neutral venues;

Hopefully there will be some great cricket played, and it should be great to watch," said Hussey. 3.

Khaleej Times: Quote: : Australia Squad Arrive in Dubai for Chapal Cup James Jose 19 April 2009 Print E-mail DUBAI - The Australian squad flew into the UAE for the Chapal Cup One Day International Series and one-off Twenty20 game on Saturday and Sunday.

The squad arrived in two separate batches on Saturday and Sunday, with four players flying in from Australia and the rest from South Africa. The 16-man squad, now reduced to 15 because of speed king Brett Lee’s absence due to rehab, arrived in Dubai.

David Hussey, comeback man Andrew Symonds, Shaun Marsh and Lee’s replacement Doug Bollinger flew in from Australia in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The rest of the team flew in from South Africa, 10 minutes past midnight on Sunday, after completing their five-match ODI series. Australia lost the series to South Africa but won the dead rubber at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday night.

The series ended 3-2. The 47-run win against the No.1 team in the world, South Africa, gave the world champions some kind of momentum heading into the Chapal Cup against Pakistan. Australia will be without captain Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson who have been rested ahead of the World Twenty20 and the all-important Ashes.

Peter Siddle too has been rested for the UAE series.

The team will be captained by ‘pup’ Michael Clarke and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will be his deputy. Australian captain Ponting believed that the win over South Africa in the dead rubber on Friday night gave the team a bit of an edge going into the Chapal Cup.

Australia had lost seven of the 10 ODIs against South Africa in the home and away tours and also lost their No.1 ranking in the process.

They had slipped to No.3 before the win in Johannesburg in the final ODI lifted them back to No.2. “It’s a good way to finish,” Ponting said after the win.

“We were pretty disappointed with the way we played over the last few games so to bounce back today is a good thing for the group.

It’s been a really tough few months of cricket.

It’s just a bit of a shame that it has taken until the last game for some of our better cricket to come out. “We definitely batted with a lot more freedom tonight than we probably had in the last few games.

It’s pleasing to finish the series the way we have.

Yes it’s disappointing to have lost the series but we wanted to take whatever we could out of this last game.

Certainly for the guys going to Dubai, they can take a bit of confidence out of that now and winning this game here.

It’s good to have that winning feeling back around the group again.” 4.

Foxsports: Quote: : http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0...5-23212,00.html Brad Haddin set for No.3, Shaun Marsh and Shane Watson back to open From correspondents in Johannesburg, South Africa April 19, 2009 Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke have shared two successive century partnerships for Australia but they won't continue at the top of the order. Clarke leads the side into the five-match, one-day international series against Pakistan starting in Dubai on Wednesday in the absence of resting skipper and No.3 batsman Ricky Ponting. Pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson and middle-order batsman Mike Hussey are also skipping the Pakistan contests ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in England in June and the Ashes series which follows. Australia's preferred opening combination of Shaun Marsh and Shane Watson return to the side for the Pakistan series, meaning Haddin and Clarke will probably bat lower down, according to Ponting. Ponting says wicketkeeper/batsman Haddin, after hitting 209 runs at 41.80 including three half-centuries in Australia's 3-2 series defeat in South Africa, can take over his No.3 role. And Clarke, as captain for the series, can do what he wants. “Pup will be pretty happy to get himself back down to four I reckon,'' Ponting said after Australia's consolation 47-run win in the dead-rubber fifth game against the Proteas in Johannesburg on Friday. “They (Watson and Marsh) are the incumbents. “In our first-picked side, Marsh and Watson were the guys who were doing a really good job for us before they both went out with their injuries. “With me not being in Dubai, Pup will be in charge of the batting order there. “If Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh are fit and ready to go then I'm pretty sure we'll see both those guys back at the top of the order. “They are two very highly skilled players. “I'd be surprised if they didn't do it at some stage in the next five games. “He (Haddin) will probably bat at three during that series.

We don't have a specialist number three there.'' Haddin averages 33.65 in 48 ODI matches including four games at No.3 for a return of 105 runs at 26.25. Ponting said it was great to have Andrew Symonds, Watson, Marsh, Brett Lee (who may return mid-series) and Stuart Clark, returning to the ODI squad. “We have been extremely hard-hit with injuries over the last 12 months,'' Ponting said. “To have the real class players coming back into our lineup and the time they are coming back is great for us. “They'll get a good amount of cricket under their belts now before the T20 and the Ashes which are two huge events for us, so all is heading in the right direction.'' Left-armer Johnson took 13 wickets at 17.07 in the ODI matches against South Africa after winning the Test player-of-the-series award for his 255 runs at 85.00 and 16 wickets at 25.00. “He has taken every challenge in his stride that has come to him,'' Ponting said of Johnson who has led the attack with Lee and Clark injured. “He has turned himself from being our third-string fast bowler to my call-on bowler at any time we need a wicket. “So that's a pretty dramatic change in a young (27) cricketer's career to go from third-string to the main man. “He has got a well-deserved few weeks off now as well and we need him as fit as he can be for the Twenty20 (World Cup in England in June) and the Ashes.'' AAP

Should get some good cricket!!!!

Finally!

Aussies still worried about security ? Quote: : http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/br...90418-aakr.html Aussies on edge, but confident of safety Sam Lienert April 18, 2009 Of numerous comeback stories in Australia's series against Pakistan starting next week, none match the significance of the return to cricket of the Pakistan team itself. The five one-day internationals and one Twenty20 game in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be the first international matches played by Pakistan since last month's attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, which resulted in the deaths of eight people and injuries to seven players. The incident caused shock around the world and Cricket Australia (CA) operations manager Michael Brown admits cricketing bodies are now "on edge" when they prepare for international tours. But despite that apprehension, Brown says the process for ensuring security ahead of the Australian team's arrival in Dubai on Sunday have been no different to previous tours. "Obviously it has an effect because it was a defining moment in world sport," Brown said on Friday. "But it's no different to what we've done any other time. "We have a very simple philosophy that the safety and security of our players and staff is paramount and wherever we play in the world we have a number of protocols we follow to make sure we are looking after the safety and security of our players." Brown said CA had worked closely with their Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) counterparts, "who understand completely the issues because they've got a team as well". Brown was involved in a pre-tour visit, in which Australian cricket officials helped map out a security plan in consultation with the PCB, security staff at the match venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and at the team hotels, UAE police and their own security experts. They have also been in regular communication with the federal government to be updated on any potential threats. "We're all on edge because of what's happened," Brown said. "But it's not (because we're playing) Pakistan - it's not in Pakistan, it's in another country - but we're concerned wherever we are. "So that level doesn't really alter, whether it's England, South Africa, Pakistan, it's relevant to the country that you're going to and obviously when teams come (to Australia) we do the same. "But the UAE authorities have been nothing short of outstanding in their support." Even before the Lahore incident, concerns over safety in Pakistan have made it difficult for the Pakistanis to attract visiting teams to their country. Australia was originally meant to play in Pakistan last March, but postponed that tour and then rescheduled it to the neutral location of the UAE because of their unwillingness to go to Pakistan. Along with having their Test series against Sri Lanka forced to an abrupt halt last month, Pakistan have also had scheduled series against Bangladesh, the West Indies and India suspended or cancelled in recent times. "What's really important here is that our view quite simply is it's not the Pakistan cricketers' problems the things that are happening in their country at a political level or terrorist level," Brown said. "Cricketers want to play cricket, the same as us, we play against them in ICC tournaments and they're due here this summer, which is fantastic. "We're due to play them and because of the issues there we had to move the series, so we're actually looking forward to playing cricket against them, it will be great." Australia are also looking forward to being involved in the first international match at the 30,000-seat Dubai Sports City stadium on Wednesday night, which Brown labelled an "outstanding" venue. It is part of an enormous new sporting precinct, which also includes golf courses, stadia for other sports and cricket academies. Adding significance to the series for Australia, Andrew Symonds makes his return after disciplinary issues, while Shane Watson, Stuart Clark and Shaun Marsh are on the comeback from injury and paceman Brett Lee could join the team late in the series if he proves his fitness. For Pakistan, speedster Shoaib Akhtar returns from injury. © 2009 AAP Brought to you by

Quote: : When I saw MJ, Dubya and Hussey in the last match vs SA, they looked like they were on their last legs.

It has been a long summer of cricket and they need a rest.

It's not intended to be a disrespect to Pakistan, because we've still picked a side that we think can win the series.

MJ has bowled more deliveries than anyone in the past 12 months - it will be irresponsible to keep pushing him to the point where he suffers a serious injury.

As for Hussey and Ponting, they need a break as their form has been really down. I know the desire is to see the "best" players, but to put things in context someone like Callum Ferguson has been in better form than Hussey or Ponting the last ODI series against SA.

Don't worry, we're not sending a joke team or one we feel can't win the series.

There's no such thing as a meaningless ODI series to Australia, because we want to win every series we play. Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson are not joke players either.

I'm not sure where people are getting the idea that we're sending a joke side.

The overall goal for OZ teams is to be in a position where we can pick from a pool of players to field TWO teams of international standard at the same time if we have to, in the event of injuries or loss of form or retirements.

To do that you have to constantly create competition for spots and to expose people to international cricket. That said, some series are probably treated more seriously than others, and the Ashes Test series is top of that list.

That's not intended to be disrespectful - I'm sure Pakistan sees a Test series against India to be more important than an ODI series against England for example. Makes perfect sense when you say it ! I think people who get this idea are people who dont want Pak cricket to progress or be a force to be reckoned with.

I have a feeling Pakistan will get a thrashing in the first ODI. C mmander Butt will be running for covers if Pakistan loses this series

Quote: : I have a feeling Pakistan will get a thrashing in the first ODI. C mmander Butt will be running for covers if Pakistan loses this series While I think Pakistan will thrash Australia in the first ODI INSH ALLAH.

Quote: : Best While I think Pakistan will thrash Australia in the first ODI INSH ALLAH. Does it mean that Lee has been declared fit and will be playing the match? Go Binga go, be the fastest off the bat and out of ground!

And Clarke speaks ! Quote: : Clarke eager to take on Pakistan in UAE © AP 2009-04-19 19 06 - DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Australian stand-in captain Michael Clarke is hoping a change in conditions and opposition will help his team after it recently lost home and away one-day international series to South Africa. Australia starts a five-match ODI series against Pakistan from Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns in the subcontinental country. The team is without regular captain Ricky Ponting, batsman Mike Hussey and allrounder Mitchell Johnson _ all rested for the Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes series in England later this year _ but Clarke exuded confidence in his young squad. «We face a completely different opposition in completely different conditions, so I hope the result will also be completely different,» Clarke said Sunday of the 3-2 series loss to South Africa.

«We are going to take a lot of strength from our win in the final ODI in South Africa. «We are not short of talent in Australia and are very fortunate to have some fresh faces who are eager to prove themselves.

We will obviously miss guys like Ponting, Hussey and Johnson, but this is a great opportunity for others. The Pakistan team has played little cricket in the past year because several foreign sides have refused to travel to its country, even before six policeman and a driver were killed when the Sri Lankan team bus was ambushed by a dozen gunmen in March. «We are just happy to play Pakistan,» Clarke said Sunday.

«It really doesn't matter where we are playing against them. «Pakistan may not have played enough international cricket in recent times, but we are all aware they are a very strong squad.

We have to be at our best to beat them.

Also, it is more like home conditions for Pakistan than for us. The first match will be at the new cricket stadium in Dubai Sports City, followed by three games at Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The two teams then play a Twenty20 match in Dubai on May 7. Clarke said one of the biggest problems his team is scoring enough runs at the top of the order. «We need to be more consistent.

Our top four batsmen haven't scored as many runs in the last few series as they should have,» he said. Australia coach Tim Nielsen expect Brett Lee to play a part in the second half of the series, saying the fast bowler is currently bowling at about 70-80 per cent of his ability after overcoming a foot injury.

A strong fighting performance against the Aussies let alone a victory will do a world of good for our self confidence.

Thats a great squad photo!

Quote: : A strong fighting performance against the Aussies let alone a victory will do a world of good for our self confidence. Agree.

A strong fighting performance can really lift our spirits and the squad will be confident.

I am concerned about a fielder loosing the sight of the ball (on a skier) because of white colour of roof supporting the ring of fire. Apart from that, can't wait for the series to begin.

Finally a different opposition and something to talk about other than the uselessness of IPL and Taliban.

Quote: : I am concerned about a fielder loosing the sight of the ball (on a skier) because of white colour of roof supporting the ring of fire. Apart from that, can't wait for the series to begin.

Finally a different opposition and something to talk about other than the uselessness of IPL and Taliban. Yeah.

Finally long wait.

But finally.




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