SCG may hold the key

SYDNEY, Jan 18: Australia and Pakistan could face a batting calamity when they clash in the tri-series on the rogue Sydney Cricket Ground pitch here on Wednesday, reports AFP.

The SCG wicket, a spinners' paradise in the past few seasons, has transformed this year into a sizzling fast bowlers' haven, generating both bounce and seam movement.

If the outcome of the last two international matches played on this pitch is any indication, the batsmen have little hope of changing the trend in the day-night clash.

Australia swamped India in three days during the Test match earlier this month.

Then in the tri-series last Friday, Australia shot India out for 100 and were then themselves reduced to 59-5 before the modest target was overtaken.

With both Australia and Pakistan facing a famine of runs from the top order, a low scoring game is again on the cards.

Adam Gilchrist was Australia's top scorer with 37 in their SCG clash against India.

Pakistan's best in the three matches so far has been Yousuf Youhanna's 63 against the Indians at Brisbane.

"The batting is a bit of a worry," Pakistani captain Wasim Akram admitted.

"If the SCG wicket plays the same way it has done in the last two games, the bowlers will be on top again.

"But we have the team to deal with all situations," he said.

Australian captain Steve Waugh indicated the wicket was unlikely to change it's character so soon.

"It's done a lot for the seamers and fast bowlers, there is little to suggest it will be any different here," Waugh said.

Australia, with three successive victories from four matches, are almost certain to qualify for the finals if they win again on Wednesday.

Waugh's men hold the edge after their six-wicket romp at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, but the captain was not taking anything for granted.

"Pakistan have one of the best attacks in the game, so you have to go out there and put in your best," he said.

Waugh's main worry was the 70 runs his side conceded in the last 10 overs on Sunday, and hoped that Victorian all-rounder Ian Harvey's inclusion in the squad was the solution.

"Ian is the best bowler in Australia during the slog overs," Waugh said.

With Andrew Symonds and Shane Lee playing key roles so far, and the fiery Glenn McGrath back in top form, Harvey is likely to replace either seamer Damien Fleming or tearaway Brett Lee.

Pakistan, who have won two of their three matches, also find themselves in a dilemma over the inclusion of all-rounder Azhar Mahmood.

Mahmood missed the first two games with a hamstring injury and was kept out of the third because both Shoaib Akhtar and Waqar Younis had done enough to merit another game.

With Abdur Razzaq also sealing his place with 51 against Australia on Sunday, Mahmood's fate will be known only before the toss.