Pakistan senior men’s team Director of Cricket Mohammad Hafeez made his intentions clear that his team is in Australia to try and win the upcoming Test series and not just to make up numbers. Hafeez expressed disappointment with the nature of the pitch that was on offer for the warm-up match against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, but insisted that the team is fully prepared to try and challenge Australia in their backyard.

Pakistan have headed to Australia under newly-appointed captain Shan Masood and with the recent restructuring of the support group of the senior men’s team, there is optimism surrounding the team. Mohammad Hafeez was appointed as the new Director of Cricket, replacing Mickey Arthur while Wahab Riaz took over as the selection committee chairman while Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal were roped in as bowling coaches. The restructuring came after Pakistan’s disappointing show in the World Cup in India following which captain Babar Azam stepped down.

Pakistan begun their World Test Championship cycle with an impressive 2-0 win in Sri Lanka earlier in the year, but the challenge in Australia is going to be a tough one. Pakistan have not beaten Australia in Australia in a Test match since 1995, losing 14 matches on the trot Down Under.

Pakistan put up a good batting show in the warm-up match with Shan Masood getting a double hundred, but their bowlers were made to work hard on a slow pitch at the Manuka Oval.

“This Test team is very settled. They have done a great job for Pakistan cricket in this format. Everyone is excited to take on this challenge. That’s the most encouraging thing. And performing in Australia would be great for them. As a Pakistan team, we’re here to beat Australia, not just to compete,” Hafeez told the press in Peth which will host the first Test from December 14.

“As I said, as a team we believe we have great talent within the team and believe we can in Australia. Preparation-wise, we ticked most of the boxes. The players are really hungry to perform in Australia. They wanted to take that excitement coming with the challenge and win here. So that’s the most important thing. I am using only the words of the team, I received a message from the team, they want to beat Australia here this time,” he added.

Pakistan also suffered a big blow as their lead spinner Abrar Ahmed was ruled out of the series opener after he suffered a knee injury in the warm-up match in Canberra. Left-arm spinner Nouman Ali is available with the team while Pakistan have called in Sajid Khan from home.