Re: Pakistan announce World Cup 15
Imran tips Aussie hat-trick
February 27, 2007 PAKISTAN great Imran Khan has tipped Australia to win its third successive World Cup in the Caribbean.
“Australians are favourites to win the World Cup, although they will miss their matchwinner Brett Lee. But Ricky Ponting’s side is still very strong in every department,” said Imran at a business conference here overnight.
“Australians have this winning habit, which is hard to break for other teams. They may have lost the recent one-day series at home and in New Zealand, but they are still very difficult to demoralise as a team.”
He said fast bowler Lee will be missed.
“It is not easy to find a replacement for a bowler like Lee. He is a genuine matchwinner for Australia,” he said.
Imran is not ruling out Pakistan’s chances.
“Pakistan and India are also good sides with a lot of good players. But in Pakistan’s case, it will all depend if Pakistan pace bowlers (Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif) are going to the World Cup,” he said.
“If they are, then Pakistan also stand a chance to win.”
Akhtar and Asif are carrying injuries and have yet to receive the results of doping tests.
Imran introduced Inzamam-ul-Haq to international cricket in 1991 and said the Pakistan captain must bat higher for the team to have a shot at winning the Cup.
“You can’t lead a team if you are batting at five or six,” said Imran.
“You must lead from the front for the team to do well. Inzy is not doing that now. You can’t inspire the team to fight if you bat so low.”