Thaindian News

Sydney, July 3 (ANI): Australian Test opener Simon Katich believes that ‘flamboyant’ Shahid Afridi would bring positive changes in the Pakistan squad, and is expecting an improved performance from his team when the two sides clash in the two match Test series in England later this month.

Pakistan has never beaten Australia in a Test match since 1995, and the Kangaroos humiliated them with a 3-0 white wash during the January-February tour, however, Katich believes that as a captain Afridi has the ability to energise the ‘young’ squad.

“When he took over in the one-day series they had a bit more direction on the field, with him in charge,” Katich told a website.

“They put in some good performances after that, even if they didn’t win the games they were certainly more competitive. He’ll bring an energy and enthusiasm to the job because that’s the sort of player that he is. I think they’ve probably chosen wisely there,” he added.

Katich also pointed out that the English conditions would suit Pakistan better than the hard Australian pitches.

“Conditions here will probably suit them better than Australian conditions, given that they’ve got a couple of good spinners in Danish Kaneria and Saeed Ajmal,” the left-hand opener said.

“The wickets here generally this time of year, if the weather stays dry, they will spin. They will prefer the wickets here than in Australia, where the wickets didn’t turn a huge amount. Some of their fast bowlers will as well, given that there’s probably a bit more swing in England,” Katich added. (ANI)