Pakistan have surprised everyone, says Australian pacer Siddle

The fast-bowler believes Misbah and co’s upcoming tour of Australia would be an exciting one

Australia fast-bowler Peter Siddle believes that Pakistan’s Test squad is better equipped than ever to handle a tour of Australia later this year as the visitors have started playing consistent cricket in recent months.

According to the right-armer, Misbahul Haq’s men have employed a methodology of fielding out a settled group of players which has brought the side some consistency in modern cricket.

Test captain Misbahul Haq. PHOTO: AFP



“Pakistan have surprised us over the last 12 months or so, they have started playing some consistent cricket,” said Siddle. “They have got some star players but they have been a lot more consistent with the sides they are putting out there – they’re not chopping and changing and I think that is where they have missed out in the past.”

He added: “At the moment it looks like they have got a pretty settle group of 13, 14 players that they go with. With a couple of injuries to bowlers, they have had others come in and perform well, so that’s exciting for them.”

Siddle said that Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Australia would be an exciting one because the visitors can really apply pressure on the home side by taking advantage of the bowling conditions.

Left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz (L). PHOTO: REUTERS



“I think their squad will be suited to Australian conditions, probably more so than in the past,” he said. “They have got explosive players who can take the game away from you, and they have got some fast bowlers that will be able to make it work on the wickets out here, and put us under a bit of pressure, so that’s a big challenge for us.”

The hosts would most likely be facing pacers Wahab Riaz, who tormented Michael Clarke and Shane Watson with a stunning spell in Adelaide during the 2015 World Cup, and Mohammad Amir, who took eight wickets in the two Tests he played in Australia back in 2009-10.

Also, the first Test in Brisbane, a day-night encounter with the pink ball, could help Pakistan fast-bowlers find their feet in conditions more conducive to swing.

The Australian pacer was also conscious of the threat posed by leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah. PHOTO: AFP



“They have got a class spinner, Yasir Shah, he’s unbelievable,” said Siddle. “He’s got a great record and he’s approaching 100 wickets at the quickest rate.

He added: “The great Shane Warne has worked with him a little bit and has talked up how good he is.”

Siddle also praised Pakistan’s middle-order, saying that Australia face an uphill task later this year. “You have got the old heads, Misbah and Younus Khan just hold that middle-order together,” he said.

Pakistan’s three-match Test series against Australia begins on December 15 in Brisbane, followed by the traditional MCG Boxing Day and SCG New Year’s (January 3) clashes.

Peter Siddle was quoted by cricket.com.au