Dead rubbers rarely kindle any of serious interest amongst
players or the spectators for that matter but if you're a side that's as short
of international match practice as is Pakistan, then every game that
you play gains significance. Especially if that game happens to be against a
top side like Australia, a win against whom will give this team some
much needed confidence going ahead.
So with the series wrapped up in fine style in the 4th ODI,
Australia might look to experiment a bit with their combination with Ben Laughlin
having a fair chance of coming in as Shane Watson might be rested. Promising
young bat Marcus North will be hoping to get another shout after his debut lasted
for barely four deliveries as he came up against a fired-up opening spell by
Shoaib Akhtar. There were reports that Brett Lee could be drafted in
the squad as well but the think tank is unlikely to tinker with the fitness
of a bowler who still for most continues to remain their premier fast bowler.
Skipper Micheal Clarke's form has only improved with every match in the series
and he'll be looking forward to wrap up the series with another good show.
For Pakistan, its been a disappointing journey downhill considering the way they
started the series. Though the bowling has looked in reasonable form, its their
batting that has surprisingly let them down in conditions that were expected to
suit them rather than the Australians. One of their major worries is the form
of skipper Younis Khan who's managed a mere 46 runs in the series so far. Infact,
apart from Salman Butt who's been in fine form, other senior pros such as Shoaib
Malik and Misbah Ul Haq too have been struggling to get big runs. Umar Gul who
was surprisingly rested in the 4th one dayer might make a return and partner Shoaib
Akhtar. The latter who showed good form with the new ball will continue to remain
under the radar and the selectors would be keen to see if he can maintain some
consistency. Sohail Tanvir who's yet to pick a wicket in the 2 ODIs that he's
played so far will want to improve on that stat.
Pitch conditions are expected to remain the same (slow and
low) with the scorching heat not likely to show any signs of remorse. Temperatures
during Friday's 4th ODI ranged between a minimum of 37C and 43C. Should Australia
win this deciding match, they'll further improve their points tally and move
to just one point behind top ranked South Africa in the ICC ratings
for ODI teams.
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