Series vital to gauge fitness and form

The series against Australia A will offer Pakistan selectors a timely opportunity to gauge the fitness and form of key fast bowlers Mohammad Sami and Umar Gul.

Haroon Rashid, Pakistan A team coach, told the Karachi-based daily, The News, that the series of two four-day matches and three limited-overs matches was being taken very seriously as it would allow the selectors to assess the fitness and form of players before the important home series against England.

"The fitness and form of Sami and Umar Gul is of prime importance to us," explained Rashid, "because both have not played against tough opposition for a while now and they will be tested out in this match."

Sami has not played any international cricket since he injured his heel during the one-day series in India in April. He subsequently underwent surgery to remove corns from his heel.

Gul, meanwhile, has not played competitive cricket since April 2004, when after bowling Pakistan to victory against India in the second Test at Lahore, he suffered career-threatening stress fractures of the back. Although he returned to competitive action during the domestic Twenty20 tournament earlier this year and looked fit and in form, the selectors are understandably eager to give his back a more rigorous four-day workout before deciding on whether to risk him against England.

The series is expected to be a competitive and closely-fought one given the relative strengths of both sides. Pakistan want to give their players some match practice before the home series against England and India and have decided to pick ten players with Test experience in their squad.

Their opponents also boast a wealth of international experience. Brad Haddin, captain and wicketkeeper, has played 10 one-day internationals for Australia; Mike Hussey has joined the squad after an immensely successful ODI series against England; and the highly-rated allrounder Shane Watson and Nathan Bracken have also played for the senior Australian side.

The first four-day game begins at Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from September 11.