November 01 Friday 2002
Pakistan in for a tough tour, says Zimbabwe skipper

HARARE: Zimbabwe expects many of Pakistan's cricketers to be badly dispirited as they fight for their futures during their upcoming tour here, Zimbabwe's new captain Alistair Campbell said Thursday. 

The Pakistanis are expected to arrive Friday evening for the tour, which includes two Test matches and five One-day Internationals. 

(The Pakistanis) have had internal problems and they have suffered very heavy defeats by Australia. Several of their players are now under pressure to perform. They are in a deep rut and will find it difficult to get out,'' Campbell said Thursday. 

They also know our reputation for producing shock results,'' the left-handed top order batsman said. Zimbabwe had its best Test innings score of 544 in its last series against Pakistan. If we can get early breakthroughs, they will be vulnerable. Unfortunately, we have had similar problems and too often we have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. This has to be rectified,'' Campbell said. 

He said that did not mean Pakistan was in any way underrated. "They have some great youngsters coming through and some highly experienced old campaigners as well,'' he said. 

Zimbabwe also brings in seven debutantes to its squad of 19, announced by chairman of selectors Ali Shah on Thursday.