In-form Pakistan set for Australia Test

AsadShafiq

Waqar's Pakistan open a two-Test series against Australia in Dubai full of confidence, after a team full of senior squad members won their tour match by 153 runs.

Asad Shafiq and potential debutant, left-hander Haris Sohail, are both in the Test squad, and both made unbeaten centuries in the warm-up match in Sharjah.

Waqar said the four-day match gave him confidence Pakistan could exploit some of Australia's "weaknesses" in the United Arab Emirates. 

"I was there and watched most of the game there and it was good to see youngsters doing well there," Waqar said of the tour match.

"It definitely has given us edge or a boost.

"I would say that because we have seen some weaknesses and I am pretty happy with it. 

"At the same time I wouldn't say it will be a big deal but before the Test you want to win. 

"They [Australia] are a fine team, very professional side and do their things well but yeah, we have definitely seen some weaknesses and we are working on it and hopefully we will deliver the goods."

Pakistan's bowling attack is significantly weakened though, with spinner Saeed Ajmal suspended and paceman Junaid Khan sidelined by a knee injury.

But Waqar claimed they had enough depth to cover the losses.

"Bowlers like Junaid had done well in UAE, Ajmal has been a match-winner and their exit is a set-back but that doesn't mean that we sit and give up," the former Pakistan quick said.

"[Zulfiqar] Babar is bowling well and Yasir Shah has improved, he was in the team in Zimbabwe in 2011 and he has done well at domestic level. 

"The bowling attack is good, it may be inexperienced but it's good."

Australia have injury concerns of their own, with captain Michael Clarke (hamstring), opener David Warner (groin) and all-rounder Mitch Marsh (hamstring) all under clouds in the lead-up to the tour.

But the trio all took part in a lengthy training session on Monday, putting all three in the frame for the first Test - including potential debutant Marsh.

"Dave batted fine in the middle and Mitch bowled in Sharjah and got a good hit. It is nice to see everyone fit and strong going in, you want to see all the boys fit and firing," Australia paceman Peter Siddle said.

"You can't see any niggles out there now."

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