Pakistani bowlers should worry Australia: Brad Haddin

Former Kangaroos wicketkeeper says visitors will be relying on experienced players to score runs

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin believes Pakistani pacers can cause problems for the hosts as both teams get ready to face each other in the three-Test series starting from Thursday at Gabba.

Pakistan, one of the Asian sides who have never come out victorious after a Test series in Australia, will be relying heavily on left-arm duo of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz. Also, they boast a world-class leg-spinner in Yasir Shah.

“What are they going to bring? I think that’s the question you ask every time Pakistan come out to these shores. You actually have no idea what they’re going to play like,” said Haddin. “If they bring their A-game, they can definitely get 20 wickets and I think they’ve got the bowlers to worry us.”

However, the 39-year-old thinks Pakistan batting’s vulnerability will be tested Down Under.

“Whether they can get enough runs on the board, it’s going to rely a lot on their old guys to see if they can stand up to the pace of Starc and the consistency of Hazlewood. It could be a great series to watch, but I think they’re going to struggle with Starc, to be honest,” he said.

Pakistan are relying heavily on Mickey Arthur’s former coaching stint with Australia in order to exploit the Kangaroos’ weaknesses and Haddin thinks Misbah’s men will try to settle a score of their own as well.

“Those guys, no matter what they say, they’re going to have something deep down in their stomach that it will be personal because they were both moved on Cricket Australia,” said Haddin. “They’ll want to beat the Aussies more than anyone.”

Brad Haddin was quoted by cricket.com.au