England's Miller still wary of Australia

Leeds:

England national selector Geoff Miller has rejected suggestions Australia are a side on the slide.

England play a Pakistan side fresh from a three-wicket second Test win over Australia at Headingley here on Saturday in the first of a four-Test series starting at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

During their tour, Australia lost a one-day series against England 3-2 and were beaten in both Twenty20 internationals by Pakistan.

Australia also ended up squaring a Test series against Pakistan 1-1 after being bowled out for just 88 in the first innings at Headingley - their lowest Test total in 26 years.

Miller, after announcing England's squad for the first Test against Pakistan on Sunday, was asked if Australia were a team on the wane.

However, the former England off-spinner told BBC Radio Five: "I would never, ever say Australia are in decline, that is the last thing you would say because that will bite you back."

The Pakistan series is England's last before the November start of their defence of the Ashes in Australia, where they haven't won a Test campaign since Mike Gatting's men triumphed in 1986/87.

"We know full well how difficult travelling to Australia and playing in their backyard is," Miller said. "We will have to be full-on our mettle."