Pybus plays down row with Border

Pakistan coach Richard Pybus has attempted to defuse the row with former Australia captain Allan Border by insisting his remarks about the Waugh brothers were misinterpreted.

Pybus incurred Border's wrath by suggesting Australia were battling internal tension as Waugh brothers Steve and Mark attempt to hold down a place in the side at age 37.

His comments were reported in the Australian media and prompted Border, a national team selector, to tell Pybus to concentrate on his own team and to 'keep his mouth shut'.

But Pybus said on Thursday: "I never meant, in any way, to indulge in any psychological warfare or criticise the Waugh brothers.

"It was an observation and nothing else. It is sad that the remarks have been taken out of context and in a negative manner."

Pybus's Pakistan side were all out for 59 and 53 in last week's second test defeat to Australia in Sharjah, going 2-0 down in the three-match series.

"Let's see if they can score 60 next time they bat," Border was quoted as saying by The Australian newspaper on Tuesday.

"Most second grade sides could do better than his national side. If I was him I'd be keeping my mouth shut."

HIGHEST RESPECT

Pybus added that Border's remarks about the Pakistan team were unfair.

"I think even he knows very well that we are struggling with injuries and we have a very young and inexperienced team," he said.

"It is a growing process for us."

But Pybus explained he had the highest respect for the Waugh brothers and he never meant to attack them in any way.

"I just said the obvious, that every international cricketer faces a time when he is approaching the end of his career -- that is all," he said.

"It was never meant to be a dig at the Australian team.

"I get a feeling that Border's was an emotional outburst given the way the media in Australia has been raising the issue of the Waugh brothers."

Pybus said he had his hands full in the middle of a tough series and he had the highest regard for the Australian team as they had been playing some good cricket.

"Look, the future of the Waugh brothers is an issue Australian cricket has to face up to," he said.

PAKISTAN CHANGES

"My remarks were unfortunately perceived by the media as an intended effort to play mind games before the final test, which is not correct."

The third test begins on Saturday and Pybus said Pakistan were focusing on the basics.

"We just didn't play well enough in the second test," he said.

"The boys are very disappointed that they let the country down and they want to make amends. We are trying to approach the final match with a positive mindset."

Pybus confirmed there would be some changes to the batting order and further changes to the line-up.

Shahid Afridi is expected to open with Hasan Reza coming into the middle order in place of the struggling Imran Nazir, who has got two ducks in four innings in the series so far.

Afridi's inclusion also gives Pakistan plenty of spin options, but with captain Waqar Younis struggling with a back problem, the bowling attack might have to be rethought.

Australia are not expecting another weak performance from their opponents.

"No, we don't think it (Pakistan's collapse) will happen again," Australian team manager Steve Barnard said.

"They will regroup and as they showed in the first test, they are capable of doing better."

Mail Cricket Editor