Kerry O’Keeffe believes pundits and fans alike have been too quick to write off Pakistan and the West Indies ahead of this Australian summer.
The Aussies first host Pakistan in a three-Test series starting later this week before switching their attention to the West Indies for two more Tests in January.
While many expect the Aussies to win all five Tests, particularly given Pakistan and the West Indies haven’t won a Test in Australia since 1995 and 1997 respectively, O’Keeffe is certain both nations will cause the home side some problems.
Given the first Test between Pakistan and Australia takes place in Perth on what’s expected to be a bouncy pitch from Thursday, O’Keeffe thinks the tourists could even jump the Aussies and pinch a game with several star players expected to line up in their XI.
“Oh, look, I am looking forward to the summer,” O’Keeffe told SEN.com.au.
“I just think the man in the street has gone too hard on our opponents Pakistan and the West Indies.
“Pakistan have got world-class players, Abdullah Shafique - their opener, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and this newcomer Saud Shakeel - he's a very good player in the middle order.
“They're stronger than they were last time, and they have a big chance in the first match at Optus Stadium in Perth on a bouncy pitch.
“They can jump Australia there, watch out. I'm very interested in this first Test match.”
As for the West Indies, O’Keeffe is tipping them to improve on their efforts last summer down under when they lost both of their Tests against Australia by a combined 583 runs.
“The West Indies, they got it wrong last time, but they'll be stronger again,” O’Keeffe said.
“They've unearthed a player called Alick Athanaze who's a very good bat, I've watched him a bit, and Shai Hope may get in their Test team.
“I think the public have dismissed the threat of these two opponents too much.
“They're both going to come and have a red-hot crack.”
The first Test between Australia and Pakistan begins on Thursday at 1:20pm (AEDT) and 10:20am (AWST). Listen to every ball LIVE on the SEN app.
