Doping bans on Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif and allegations of indiscipline made by an Indian security officer has not been ideal preparation for Pakistan's first Test against West Indies, captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said on Friday.
"Definitely these things are not ideal... but we have to handle the pressure as these things are part of life," he told reporters. Shoaib and Asif were banned by a drugs inquiry commission after testing positive for a banned substance, nandrolone.
Pakistan cricket was again rocked on Wednesday when the Indian security officer with the team in the Champions Trophy alleged that Shoaib had slapped coach Bob Woolmer on the neck over a dispute in the team bus.
Shoaib and Asif have lodged appeals against their bans and the Pakistan Board has said it would push the ICC to take action against the officer for his false claims.
"There is pressure on us. Still I see no reason why we can't go out and give a good performance. We should not have to make excuses," Inzamam said before dismissing speculation he would retire after the World Cup. "I don't see this as my last home series. I think I can continue to carry on as long as I am fit and keen on the game," he added.
LARA A MAJOR THREAT Inzamam singled out his counterpart Brian Lara as a major threat despite his past poor Test record in Pakistan.
The last time West Indies won in Pakistan was in 1980/81 and they were whitewashed 3-0 in 1997. "He can change the complexion of the game single-handedly. We will be going after him early in the series so that he can't settle down. We have plans for him." Lara looked forward to his team transferring its success in the one-day arena to Test cricket. West Indies made the finals of the DLF Cup in Malaysia and the Champions Trophy after beating India 4-1 at home this year. But they have won just two Tests since May 2004.
Lara said he was disappointed with the lack of success and the West Indies cricket situation but was optimistic about the future. "We can't worry about the past. This tour is a good opportunity for us to dig ourselves out of the hole and carry our success in one-dayers to this series," Lara said.
"Our players are not inexperienced in terms of matches. Pakistan like other teams crack under pressure. We will try to get in a couple of early blows and put pressure on them, he said.
Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul are expected to be fit for the Test after suffering stomach bugs, Lara said. "Hopefully in the next 24 hours they will be fine. They are professionals and know what is expected of them. But we have to wait and see."
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