Arthur aims to end another drought

Mickey Arthur knows a thing or two about breaking droughts in Australia.

But the one facing his Pakistan team is a gigantic one.

In 2008-09, Arthur led South Africa to a 2-1 series victory over the Aussies - the first time any touring team had won a campaign in Australia since the mighty West Indies 16 summers earlier.

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Three summers later, he was appointed to coach the Australian team.

This month, he's looking to break a far bigger record: Making Pakistan the first team from the subcontinent to win a Test series in Australia.

And if there is to be a chance, it comes as Pakistan arrive as a recent world No.1-ranked Test team to face an Australian side in the middle of a serious rebuild.

"For these guys to come here and win would be amazing," said Arthur, who was sacked three years ago as Australia coach.

"But listen, we are under no illusions. Australia are a fantastic cricket team and, in these conditions, it's going to be very tough for them."

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Arthur, who still lives in Perth, will be relying on his two years' experience and knowledge as Australian coach on the hard and bouncy wickets.

"And obviously against some of the players that we play against," he said.

"But there's so much intelligence around in terms of data and in terms of video analysis that all teams know everybody anyway."

Since taking over the Pakistan team in May, he has surrounded himself with a number of Australian colleagues.

Steve Rixon, who kept wicket in 13 Tests for Australia, has spent a number of years coaching around the country as the NSW Sheffield Shield mentor. He is Pakistan's fielding coach.

Even the team's physio, Shane Hayes, is from Sydney and will try to condition the team for the Australian heat.

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However, it is Arthur the players most look to for experience down under.

"He knows everything about here," middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq put it bluntly.

Of Pakistan's top order, only veterans Younis Khan and captain Misbah-ul-Haq have previously played Test cricket in Australia.

However, neither has reached triple figures, falling to the bouncy Australian wickets that have traditionally troubled subcontinental batsmen.

Shafiq has spoken already spoken about Arthur's message for him to focus on his cut shot on this tour, while 39-year-old Younis is more confident in Australia under the coach's guidance.

"He has spent time with us and has given us some tips," Khan said.

"It gives us motivation in how we are supposed to deal with these Australian pitches.

"It is very simple. If you play, according to the situation that can offer bowler and batsman, it will be easy for us."

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