Afridi confident his 'united' Pakistan can trouble Australians

The 30-year-old Afridi came out of a four-year Test retirement to pick up the pieces after Pakistan's dismal tour of Australia earlier this year ended in bitter recriminations.

The two previous captains, Mohammed Yousuf and Younus Khan, were both banned indefinitely for alleged infighting as part of widespread punishments dished out by the Pakistan Cricket Board following the 3-0 Test series whitewash, plus defeats in all six limited overs internationals.

The PCB later overturned the suspensions handed down to Shoaib Malik and to Younus, who was not selected for the tour of England, while Yousuf retired in protest.

Afridi was a controversial replacement as captain, given he has not played Test cricket since 2006 and he received a two-match ICC ban for biting the ball during the one-day international in Perth.

But Afridi believes he has ironed out the unrest and he is confident nothing will derail Pakistan as they enter back-to-back Test series against Australia and England.

"The guys are united," Afridi said. "I am trying to keep the guys as close as I can. I take them for dinner and the communication problem is not there now. We sit together and chat to each other. If they have any problems they can come to me and the coach and share them.

"It is a difficult job, especially with the different cultures, and the different cities but I respect these guys and whatever their problems are I listen and talk to the management. They are feeling good playing with my captaincy. I am trying to be a good man-manager."

Pakistan have lost 12 consecutive Test matches to Australia, dating back to 1999, but Afridi believes there has never been a better time to beat the world Test champions.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting confirmed that wicketkeeper Tim Paine and spinner Steve Smith will both make their Test debuts at Lord's.

Pakistan warmed up for the Tests with two Twenty20 wins over Australia and Afridi said: "Winning in any form of the game keeps morale high. We are confident.

"They don't have the same players like (Shane) Warne, (Glenn) McGrath and (Matthew) Hayden as they used to have. It is a totally different team that we are playing.

"This is a time you can take these guys."