Johnson terms Pakistan as a threat

KARACHI: Despite Australia’s whitewash of Pakistan at home in the last Test series the two sides met, Australia’s fast-bowler Mitchell Johnson has warned his side not to underestimate the opposition when the first Test kicks off at Lord’s on Tuesday.

The 28-year old left-arm bowler believed that Pakistan was a tough side and his team would have to give a strong performance to overcome Shahid Afridi’s men, especially after their 2-0 win in the Twenty20 series.

“Pakistan is a strong side, especially with the likes of the Akmal brothers who can really hit the ball and their bowling attack is particularly dangerous especially having young Mohammed Aamer,” said Johnson before adding that since Pakistan enjoys a huge support in England, it would be an added advantage for the team playing its “home” series.

“I know the Pakistan side will have a huge support here in the UK but we’ll play our best cricket and hopefully we’ll have some Australian fans there supporting us too.”

The fast bowler said he was eagerly awaiting the series, particularly the Lord?s Test, where he was raring to give his best.

“I’m really looking forward to playing against the Pakistan side at Lord’s in the Test series. It’ll be good to play at Lord’s again.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2010.