Pakistan turn to new faces and format

Pakistan are hoping that a few fresh faces, a change of outfit and format will lead to a change in fortune on a long tour of Australia that has so far refused to bring any success.

Pakistan were whitewashed by Australia for the fourth successive time in ten years after losing by 231 runs at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The team will now head to Brisbane for the first of five ODIs against the home side, beginning on January 22, and ending with a Twenty20 international on February 5.

Though Pakistan's ODI form is also uncertain it is a little better than their Test form; they lost a three-match series to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in November, but they made the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy before that. The run included a thrilling, tight loss to Australia at Centurion. Mohammad Yousuf, captaining Pakistan's ODI side as well, has worn a weary look about him as the Test series has closed, but was confident that players such as vice-captain Shahid Afridi and former captain Younis Khan joining the squad will provide fresh depth and impetus.

"Obviously it is hard to be away from home for the last three months," Yousuf said. "It is difficult, but we are professional and we have to play. We are looking forward to the ODI series. We have good players in the format. Shahid Afridi is coming and he is a very exciting player in ODIs. He has done very well over the last couple of years and especially his bowling."

Yousuf had requested Younis's presence early in the Test series though it was ultimately turned down. He returns now, to the format where he lost his form, but Yousuf is confident he will add to a brittle batting line. "I am happy also to see Younis Khan come back. He is an experienced player and the batting will have more strength with him here."

At least two players joining the squad - Afridi and Naved-ul-Hasan - have been in Australia for some time now, playing for state teams in the local Big Bash Twenty20 tournament, and with considerable success. Rana, who had a productive stint with Tasmania, believes his experience and that of Afridi, as well as the time the squad has already spent in Australia, makes Pakistan a dangerous opponent.

"I have an idea of the pitches and conditions here already and our ODI team is a good one. Australia's team is a very good one, but I think we are not bad and if everybody gives 100% we have good chance of winning it," he said. "Our problem has always been the top few batsmen. Opening and below that is a little problem. But they have played Tests here so they will be adjusted to it. If we get a good start at the top we can even chase 300-350."