Pakistan can become the first Asian team to win in Australia, claims Waqar Younis

According to Waqar Younis, the days of fearing an Australian tour seem to be long gone. The iconic pacer believes Pakistan can defeat Steven Smith’s side in the upcoming 3-match series and become the first ever Asian country to win a Test series in Australia.

The 45-year old, who will be part of Channel Nine’s commentary panel for the tour, urged Misbah ul Haq’s team to seize what he termed as Pakistan’s ‘best chance’ to create Asian history.

Waqar said, “It’s never easy in Australia on these bouncy pitches, but I feel this is their (Pakistan’s) best chance to beat Australia (in Australia). Pakistan have been a very settled side the last couple of years (and) they’ve been playing really good cricket but they have to play to their potential.”

He added, “In the past we always feared Australia thinking they are the better side, but not at the moment. I don’t know what will happen in a couple of years. The Aussies always know how to bounce back but yes at the moment Pakistan stands a good chance.”

Even though Australia are licking their wounds after a 1-2 loss at home to South Africa, they can be expected to only grow stronger given the massive upheaval in personnel. Added to it is Pakistan’s woeful record Down Under – 9 losses in their 9 previous Tests on Australian soil and the task does not appear as straightforward.

Historically, Asian teams have always struggled in Australia as evidenced by their collective record of 9 victories and 62 defeats from 91 Tests in the country. India have won five Tests (with three drawn series) while Pakistan have managed to win four Tests (with two drawn series). On the other hand, Sri Lanka are yet to win a Test match in Australia from 13 attempts and Bangladesh have only played 2 Tests (both defeats) there.

More recently, Pakistan slipped to fourth in the ICC Test rankings upon suffering a 0-2 whitewash in New Zealand. This was more or less the same team which had climbed to the top spot after the drawn series in England during August.

However, Waqar felt, “The New Zealand series is a big wake up call for them – being the number one team (earlier this year) then losing like this I don't think it will sit well with them. That was a good preparation, there was some bounce and seam movement at Hamilton (second Test). I think they'll have learnt their lesson. There's still two weeks before the first Test (in Australia) so they should have enough time to get used to this bounce.”

The first Test will be a day-night affair at the Gabba on December 15^th while the remaining two Tests will be played with the usual red ball in Melbourne and Sydney.