Misbah hopeful for Abu Dhabi pitches

Misbah-ul-Haq believes the pitches will have to favour Pakistan to beat Australia

Vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq says Pakistan could beat Australia, but only if they play on slow pitches in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan are scheduled to play five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match against Australia in a series beginning April 22.

The series, postponed from last year, is being held at a neutral venue after Australia refused to tour Pakistan due to security concerns.

"The only edge we will have over Australia is if we have the same kind of pitches which we have at home," Misbah said.

"We need the slow kind of pitches.

"Australia are still a very strong side and they have some exciting batsmen and pace bowlers.

"They have also been playing far more matches against competitive teams in the last year than we have.

"We haven't had much international cricket in the last year."

The matches is being considered as Pakistan's home series and the Pakistan Cricket Board are sending their own curators to prepare the pitches in Abu Dhabi.

Misbah's views are in direct contrast to fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who believes the Australians can be beaten.

"Australia are now much easier to beat than before and if we play our best we can beat them in the series. We have a very good chance," said Akhtar, who is attempting to regain his place in the side after being dropped due to injury.

Shoaib believes the Australian team has been weakened by the loss of several key players as their replacements lack quality.

"They are still the world's top team, which they proved by avenging their defeat against South Africa," he said.

"But they still miss the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

"They don't have as many quality players as in the past."