"Both of them have brought us enough success," he said. "You are talking about breaking up the best opening pair in world cricket. They are our strongest point and the numbers show they have scored runs with great consistency. I understand reservations about their strike rate but you will see improvements in it."

Much of the criticism around Babar and Rizwan is about their conservative approach with bat. Both are anchors, and prolific as well as consistent, meaning either one or both often tend to bat deep into the innings. But their low strike rates, particularly in the first ten overs, put the middle order under pressure, and raise concerns that Pakistan fail to maximise their run-scoring potential.

"You name anyone and they have performed lately. Since the last World Cup, we have had envisaged the conditions [in Australia] and planned accordingly. This whole squad is our strength and I am hopeful that this team will get us good results."