Australia nervous of facing Pakistan bowlers: Raja

Cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja has claimed that Australia are nervous ahead of facing Pakistan’s bowling attack in the upcoming two-match Test series between the two sides, starting from November 21 in Brisbane.

While speaking in a Youtube video, the famous commentator said that Australia batsmen are unsure regarding what to expect from Pakistan’s inexperienced pacers.

“Australia batsmen are concerned with the fear of unknown from the Pakistan bowlers as they have young and raw pace attack,” said Raja. “Apart from Yasir Shah and Imran Khan, no other bowler has played in Australia so the hosts are unfamiliar with them.”

“Steve Smith has also openly admitted that Abbas would be a threat in the upcoming series,” he added.

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Raja believes Pakistan needs to play attacking cricket if they want to put the Aussies under pressure.

“Pakistan will need to be aggressive in their approach. Once Australia gets on top, they don’t let you back in the game, so it is important to not let them dominate,” he said. “Yasir Shah needs to bowl with an attacking mindset as he can play a key role in giving Pakistan an advantage.”

“Pakistan can create pressure on Australia batting if they remove Smith and David Warner early,” he added.

However, the 57-year-old admitted that the visitors will need to make quick adjustments to dictate the proceedings.

“If you need to do well in Australia, you need to make adjustments,” he said. “Batsmen have to adjust to the high bounce and score big in the first innings. Similarly bowlers will have to bowl at consistent lines and maintain the intensity.”