'I am trying to be a good man-manager'

LONDON: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday vowed to rid his squad of the disharmony that scarred their tour to Australia.

Afridi is leading a relatively inexperienced side as they prepare to play the first of two Tests against Australia at Lord's starting on Tuesday.

The new captain said he is adopting an inclusive style of man-management to ensure this tour is not damaged by infighting.

"The guys are united," Afridi told reporters at Lord's on Monday. "I am trying to keep the guys as close as I can. I take them for dinner and the communication problem is not there now.”

"We sit together and chat with each other. If they have any problems they can come to me and the coach and share them,” he said.

He said "it is a difficult job, especially with the different cultures, and the different cities. But the thing is I respect these guys and whatever their problems are, I listen and talk to the management.”

"They are feeling good playing with my captaincy. I am trying to be a good man-manager."

Pakistan play Australia twice before taking on England in four more Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games.

They made a fine start to the trip by beating Australia in a pair of Twenty20 games in Birmingham.

With those victories in mind, Afridi believes now is the perfect time for his side to be playing Ricky Ponting's side at Test level, especially as many will be playing their first game at Lord's.

"Test cricket is different but winning in any form of the game keeps morale high. We are confident," Afridi added.

"It is a good time. They don't have the same players like (Shane) Warne, (Glenn) McGrath and (Matthew) Hayden. It is a totally different team. This is a time you can take these guys.”

"The youngsters are very talented and have good temperaments. It is very exciting, especially for the youngsters who haven't played in England. It is a dream come true for these guys and they are all very focused," he said.