Pakistan captain Waqar Younis Tuesday pinned hopes on his young guns and dismissed impressions that it would be a one-sided test series against Australia.

"The young boys which we have here are talented and probably the best available. Naturally, any captain would feel uncomfortable going into a test series without experienced players, but I have complete confidence in the abilities of these youngsters," Waqar said from Colombo over telephone.

Pakistan have included Taufeeq Umer, Imran Farhat, Hasan Raza, Faisal Iqbal, Naved-ul-Hasan, Danish Kaneria and Mohammad Zahid in the absence of Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar for the series starting at Colombo from Thursday.

"I believe this is the best opportunity for these youngsters to rise to the occasion and prove their mettle. I believe this is a lifetime opportunity because a good performance against Australia will do a world of good to the confidence and morale to these players. The chance is there and its open but it is entirely up to the players to grab it."

"I agree the Australia are a formidable team but this Pakistan team is also well focused and training hard for the upcoming games. I know that the people have completely ruled us out but I have been member of Pakistan teams that has won games against all odds or when the chips were down."

"I don't see why we can't turn things around this time also. But yes, this is going to be hard series and we will have to play out of our skins."

"I am not afraid of losing because it is part of the game. The team has not done well recently but we are hoping that we would be able to change things. Here, I must appreciate my team. It is emerging as a well-knit squad, the boys are helping and motivating each other. They look committed and purposeful and I don't see any reason why we can't produce good results."

The second test will be played at Sharjah from Oct 11 while the third will also start at Sharjah from Oct 19. The series was shifted to neutral venue because of security concerns.

Samiul Hasan
G.M. Media
October 1, 2002

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