Shoaib questions Indians

Mounting the challenge ahead of the Indian cricket team's visit, Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Friday fired the first salvo by asking the visitors to prove themselves during the tour instead of resting on laurels earned in Australia.

"They (the Indians) could have performed well in Australia, but it is a new game and new series. They have to prove themselves all over again," Shoaib, who is undergoing vigorous training at the probables camp at Lahore, told reporters.

Also Read Controversy hits Pak team selection Prasanna feels bowling is a worry Pak attack holds no terrors for Ganguly Complete coverage

"Cricket looks different every time. Whenever you play a new series you have to prove. It is not like you performed well there, you can perform well here. They have to struggle to perform. We too have to struggle to perform against them to win," he said.

The Rawalpindi Express, who is being counted as Pakistan's main weapon to unsettle the famed Indian batting line-up, said the home side could win the series if it played as a team.

"If we play as a team we will win. Cricket is a different game every day. New day, new ball, new game. We have to start from scratch, they have to start from scratch once again," he said.

Shoaib, who must be keen to avenge the humiliation he suffered at the hands of Sachin Tendulkar in the last World Cup, said he was enjoying his game and fully fit or the series.