White to turn the screw



Cameron White, Australia's in-form batsman, says "turmoil" in the Pakistan camp over the captaincy issue has made life easier for the hosts as they look to seal the five-match series in Adelaide today. The under-fire Pakistan captain, Mohammad Yousuf, has hinted at a "lack of unity" in the team after losses in the first two Tests in Brisbane and Sydney, the last being an embarrassing 140-run defeat on Sunday.

"If there's turmoil in the camp - or there's that sort of talk - I think it can only be a distraction for them," said White, who has hit a century and a half-century in the opening two games. "So it probably makes our job, if they're not thinking about the right things, a little easier if anything." Turmoil or not, Pakistan remain the game's most unpredictable side and no one would be surprised if they turned up at the Adelaide Oval and spoiled the Australia Day celebrations.

"The next game is very crucial for us," said the all-rounder Shahid Afridi. "From there we can decide the series. We have to win. We need to win one game first and morale will be higher. Then we will think about the fourth and fifth game." Mohammad Asif should be back following a hand injury but Mohammad Aamer will miss the remainder of the series due to a groin problem. Peter Siddle is a doubt for Australia. Australia v Pakistan, 7.30am start, Showsports 2


Middle East Today

The must read newsletter for the region

      By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy
      Middle East Today