Australia’s cricketers are determined to regain winning form in Monday night’s third Twenty20 clash with Pakistan, although middle-order batsman Cameron White insist that fine-tuning ahead of the World T20 is the main focus.
White admits victory in game three (starting 0200 Tuesday AEST) would be a confidence-booster ahead of the World T20 which starts in Sri Lanka on September 18.
Australia’s first game in the tournament is against Ireland on September 19 in Colombo.
George Bailey’s men have suffered the embarrassment of dropping to 10th on the world rankings, below the semi-professional Irish side, although victory in game three against Pakistan would allow Australia to rise one spot.
White says while Australia trail Pakistan 2-0 in their three-match series, they have shown improvement after being bowled out for 89 in game one and scoring 8-151 in game two to force a tie, losing by one run in the single-over eliminator.
“We know where we’re ranked,” says ex-skipper White, whose 2-4 record as captain in 2011 has been matched by Bailey.
“We haven’t been winning enough games so that’s why we’re down there.”
Australia have won four of 13 matches since the current rankings period began on August 1, 2010.
“Things can change quickly.
“If we start winning in that (World T20) tournament we can easily shoot back up and if we win it, there’s no arguments to say that we’re not No.1 in the world.
“We’re a good chance going into the tournament.
“This side is a very good side. It’s just about playing to our potential.”
Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore says legspinner Shahid Afridi, who has missed the first two games with a thumb injury, is unlikely to play on Monday night with a major tournament less than two weeks away.
Whatmore says offspinner Saeed Ajmal, who has a sore left shoulder, is more likely to play.
“You cannot say it’s as big a game as if the series was one-all,” Whatmore said on Sunday.
“But it’s important. The pressure is off, there’s no question about that.
“We’ll be more relaxed I would think. It’s an opportunity for us to have a look at perhaps one or two other players but to remain as competitive as possible.”
