Inzamam concerned over lack of preparation

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, has expressed concern over his team's lack of competitive cricket in recent months and is worried it could affect Pakistan's chances in the forthcoming series against England.

Although a number of Pakistan's players were involved in the English county season and a number of younger members played against Australia A recently, opportunities for many to play competitively have been scarce since June this year when Pakistan completed its tour of the Caribbean.

Before leaving for Sydney to participate in the Super Series, Inzamam told the Karachi-based daily, The News, "Although individually some of the players have gone and played county cricket in England, it's as a team that we've had very little competitive cricket since the tour to the West Indies." He added that he would have preferred some competitive cricket before the tourists arrive, "especially since we go straight into the Test series against England and the one-dayers come later."

Inzamam, who with Shoaib Akhtar, is one of two Pakistanis in the World XI Test squad, said he had met most of the Pakistan players before leaving and asked them to utilise as well as possible the time remaining between now and when the series begins. "I had a meeting with most of the players before preparing to leave for Australia and I've told them to fully utilise the practice opportunities available to them in the two four-day practice games they play against the regional sides."

Inzamam will miss both the practice games the Pakistan XI play against Peshawar and Karachi due to his commitment in Australia.

And he had some specific advice for both his bowlers and batsmen. "I've advised the batsmen to try to occupy the crease as long as possible in these games so that they can get under the skin of the roles they are supposed to play against England. Similarly, I've told the bowlers to forget about trying to bowl fast and simply concentrate on bowling with discipline to a consistent line and length because that's what would be required against the English batsmen. I also don't want my fast bowlers sustaining any niggling injuries while going flat out to impress everyone in these matches."

On his return, Inzamam plans to get together with Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach and senior players to formulate a strategy for the series. "England are playing good cricket presently and we need to go into the series well prepared with what we need to do to beat them."

And his trip to Australia will also double as a reconnaissance mission for Pakistan, Inzamam stating that he will spend time in Australia taking a good look at Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison, who are expected to play a key role in the series. "It's a good opportunity to spot some weak links in their games from close-up."

Inzamam, who finally agreed to play in the Super Test following a week of very public procrastination over the matter, is also in the running for two ICC annual awards. He admitted he was keen to win some award in Australia after being nominated in two categories for this year's ICC annual awards. Inzamam has been nominated in the `Best Test Player of the Year' and `Best Cricketer of the Year' categories.

"Frankly speaking, I'm hoping to win both the awards I've been nominated for. But any of the two would be more than welcome because I think it would be a universal recognition of your achievements. If I win any of the awards, it would be for Pakistan cricket, for the team and for the entire nation without whose good wishes, prayers and support, I would never have reached this stage."