September 30 Monday 2002
Australia concerned about playing Pakistan in Sharjah

MELBOURNE: Australia one-day captain Ricky Ponting said on Sunday some of his teammates had security concerns about touring Sharjah as part of next month's three-test series against Pakistan. "I suppose you do get a bit worried when you sit back and see some of the news that's coming on the television over here," Australia's one-day captain said from Colombo. "We haven't spoken about it as a team but I'm sure some of the individuals have got a few concerns," Ponting added in an interview aired on Australian television on Sunday.

Australia coach John Buchanan said last week the team would be guided by advice from the Australian Cricket Board (ACB). Australia are in Colombo after losing their semi-final of the Champions Trophy against Sri Lanka on Friday.

The first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan will be played in Colombo, starting on Thursday. The second and third Tests will take place in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The series is being played in neutral countries because of security fears. An ACB spokesman told last week the board would continue to monitor the impact on the UAE of the conflict between the United States and Iraq.