Overview
The five-match ODI series, starting on April 22, is an abridged substitute for Australia's 2008 tour of Pakistan, which was cancelled amid fears over player security following the Lahore terrorist attacks.

The matches, which will be followed by a single Twenty20 encounter, will be played outside of troubled Pakistan, with United Arab Emirates' Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium and the opulent Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi) playing host to the series.

The Pakistan players will be relishing the opportunity to flex their muscles on the international stage after a year of relatively little competition, while Australia may be feeling understandably jaded after a protracted, somewhat disappointing, season.

The possible lack of motivation from the antipodeans could be compounded by the series' absurd scheduling, which sees it coincide with the 2009 Indian Premier League; a tournament which several Australian players would undoubtedly prefer to be involved with, given its high profile and unmatched financial benefits.

Cynicism aside, the series also signifies the long-overdue return of lovable antiheroes, Andrew Symonds and Shoaib Akhtar. No doubt both players will be itching to make a (cricket-related) impression after extended periods of compulsory absence.

The series will also mark the beginning of Pakistan's Younis Khan era. The 31-year-old batsman takes over leadership from much-criticised Shoaib Malik.

There's also some significance to Khan's Australian counterpart, with this being Michael Clarke's first series outside of Australia as captain. 'Pup' takes over the reins from Ricky Ponting, who reckons he deserves a break from all the madness.

Expected Match-Winners
Pakistan: In Umar Gul Pakistan have unearthed a rare talent. He consistently hits the right areas and can extract movement off almost any surface. His recent form is astonishing; since the start of 2008, the lanky paceman has taken 34 ODI wickets at an average of 17.9 at a strike-rate of 21.2. He will be a handful.

Australia: It's an excellent illustration of Australia's depth of talent that young players of Phillip Hughes and Callum Ferguson's class and composure are integrated into the team with the utmost of ease. Surprisingly, only the latter will be involved in this series and I predict another confident display from the classy stroke-maker.

Probable Bench-Warmers
Pakistan: Pakistan's three-month absence from international cricket makes it difficult to predict their first-choice XI, but it's likely that teenager Ahmed Shezad's inclusion is merely to provide him with some dressing-room experience. Although, the Pakistan Cricket Board's fondness for throwing ridiculously young players into the deep end, combined with the youngster's astounding first-class record, could blast this prediction out of the water.

Australia: With the experienced Stuart Clark returning from injury, and the inclusion of Ben Hilfenhaus as cover for injuries, it's unlikely Doug Bolinger will get a start. The welcome return of Shane Watson could also interrupt Ben Laughlin's international career.

Pakistan's Last Five ODI Results
2009: Third ODI: Lost to Sri Lanka by 234 runs in Lahore
2009: Second ODI: Lost to Sri Lanka by 129 runs in Karachi
2009: First ODI: Beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Karachi
2008: Third ODI: Beat West Indies by 31 runs in Abu Dhabi
2008: Second ODI: Beat West Indies by 24 runs in Abu Dhabi

Australia's Last Five ODI Results
2009: Fifth ODI: Beat South Africa by 47 runs in Johannesburg
2009: Fourth ODI: Lost to South Africa by 61 runs in Port Elizabeth
2009: Third ODI: Lost to South Africa by 25 runs in Cape Town
2009: Second ODI: Lost to South Africa by seven wickets in Centurion
2009: First ODI: Beat South Africa by 141 runs in Durban

Last Five Head-To-Head Results
2005: VB Tri-Series, Second Final: Australia won by 31 runs in Sydney
2005: VB Tri-Series, First Final One: Australia won by 18 runs in Melbourne
2005: VB Tri-Series, Eight ODI: Pakistan won by three wickets in Perth
2005: VB Tri-Series, Fifth ODI: Australia won by nine wickets in Sydney
2005: VB Tri-Series, Second ODI: Australia won by four wickets in Hobart

The Skippers' Say
"That's (the absence of several senior players) one thing I've tried to make clear to the guys, that as much as we'll miss the wonderful players who aren't here, it gives somebody else a chance. So grab hold of that opportunity and you never know what can happen." - Michael Clarke.

"If we perform well - and win - then people will have to take notice because it is Australia. I want to see good moments. After the series I want to be able to look back and pinpoint seven to 10 moments where we did really well, with a bowling spell, a bit of fielding, some batting. That will be an achievement." - Younis Khan.

Prediction
While the impact of losing Ponting, Mike Hussey and Mitch Johnson is impossible to overlook, the return of Symonds, Clark and Watson will go a long way towards restoring the team's balance. Pakistan, on the other hand, have a new captain, nonexistent form and key players who may be resentful over their forced withdrawal from the IPL. Australia will win it comfortably.

Squads
Pakistan: Younis Khan (captain), Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shahzad, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Fawad Alam, Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat, Saeed Ajmal, Rao Iftikhar, Shoaib Akhtar.

Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), Doug Bollinger, Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Ben Laughlin, Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson.

Fixtures
First ODI: Dubai, 22 April
Second ODI: Dubai, 24 April
Third ODI: Abu Dhabi, 27 April
Fourth ODI: Abu Dhabi, 1 May
Fifth ODI: Abu Dhabi, 3 May

Adriaan du Toit