JOIN USAustralia lead the two-match series 1-0 after their 150-run win at Lord’s last week, thanks to part-time off-spinner Marcus North’s six-wicket haul.
While there has been some doubt about North and medium pacer Ben Hilfenhaus’ availability, Pakistan have more to worry about as they look to draw the series.
Shahid Afridi, the captain in the first Test, has not only announced his retirement from the longer version, but is ruled out of the second due to side strain. Opener Salman Butt has been elevated to lead the side and the opener has an onerous task ahead of him.
Australia, seeking their 14th consecutive Test win over Pakistan, tried to play the mind games when their captain Ricky Ponting said Butt would be under pressure.
“There is obviously more responsibility on you when you are captain and a top-order batsman so it's going to be a hard job for him,” Ponting said on the eve of the match.
Butt, 25, who registered his team's top scores in both innings at Lord's, dismissed any suggestions of extra pressure.
“The Pakistan captaincy is a great honour, there is no doubt about it but the way it has come is not a way it has come to anyone before so I hope it goes well,” Butt said.
“It's a challenge for me but I have to keep on going as a player and as a batsman which is more important. It's a young unit so shouldn't be that much of a hassle.”