We're the most talented in the world, say Pakistan

Pakistan launched their cricket tour of England by proclaiming themselves to be arguably the most talented side in the world.

Newly-appointed English-born coach Richard Pybus said on Thursday the team would face a tough battle to win the two-test series starting later this month.

But he made it clear who he expected to win.

"It's arguably the most talented side in the world," he said of his new charges. "And it's my job to channel it."

The 37-year-old coach, in his second tenure in the role, added: "We can't come over here and expect to push England around. We're going to have to work bloody hard."

Pybus, who was recruited by Pakistan on Tuesday, just hours before the squad flew to England, said his first priority was to take stock of both his players and his new situation.

"I want to get to know the players, get a feel of where they're going," said Pybus, whose team start their opening three-day fixture against a British Universities side at Trent Bridge on Friday.

"I want to get a feel of what's happening in Pakistan cricket. I want to know the right people are on board to make Pakistan a real force in the world."

England beat Pakistan in their last meeting, winning a three-match away series 1-0 at the end of last year. Nasser Hussain's side have won their last four test series.

Pakistan, however, despite a mediocre 2000-01 season, have come out on top in each of their last three tours to England.

Captain Waqar Younis, who has been in his job only a few more weeks than Pybus, was equally confident.

"We have come with a positive frame of mind," the fast bowler said.

Last year's defeat had hurt. "Hands up, we lost and England played really well."

But he added: "We want to prove we are the best side... We want to prove we can beat any side in the world."

Pybus, who made his name in charge of South African side Border, only lasted three months before being sacked as Pakistan coach in 1999. This time he has been given a short-term contract, to be reviewed at the end of the current tour.

"I was bitterly disappointed," he said of his sacking, which followed a shake-up in the Pakistan Cricket Board in the wake of a military coup.

"You don't turn a side around in one month.

"The problem wasn't with the players. The players were as shocked as I was. It was the decision of one man and one man alone (the then-chairman of the board).

"It's strange how the wheel spins full circle."

Mail Cricket Editor