Simon Katich warned Pakistan's batsmen they might struggle too if conditions remained overcast after Australia declined to 229 for nine on the first day of the first Test at Lord's.
Pakistan's new-ball duo of teenage left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif took six wickets between them as they made the most of captain Shahid Afridi's decision to field first.
Only left-handed opener Katich, with 80, has so far got past fifty with Michael Clarke making 47 and Michael Hussey 39 not out at stumps.
But Australia seamers Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger will hope the cloud cover remains.
"We've got 230-odd runs in the bank," Katich told reporters. "If conditions stay the same, Pakistan may struggle too."
When Pakistan last came to England in 2006 their middle-order featured batsmen of proven quality in Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan.
But Inzamam has since retired while the disciplinary fall-out from Pakistan's 3-0 Test series loss in Australia earlier this year means that Yousuf and Younus aren't even in the squad this time, with their places at Lord's filled by Test debutants Azhar Ali and Umar Amin.
As recently as January, Australia were bowled out for 127 by Pakistan in Sydney yet still won the Test and Katich said: "A couple of guys will really enjoy bowling in these conditions and they've got a couple of inexperienced guys in their line-up."
Australia, apart from a third-wicket stand of 120 between Katich and Clarke. found runs hard to come by.
An they were rocked by Asif's sensational burst of three wickets for no runs in seven balls either side of tea which began when he had Clarke, who looked in good touch, lbw with the last ball before the interval.
"That wicket on tea was important," Katich said. "They got a sniff and on a bit of a roll.
"It was a tough day and at no stage did the sun break through."
Katich, caught behind off Asif after more than three hours at the crease, said of the man who took his wicket: "He's got the ability to move the ball both ways."
As for Aamer, Katich added: "He's an outstanding young bowler. We were impressed with him in Australia, given he was playing on very flat wickets.
"He's a really good competitor who keeps charging in."
This was the ninth successive Test where Katich, who has had a stop-start Australia career, has made a fifty.
Katich insisted there was no secret to his recent consistency.
"When I did get this third opportunity, I really wanted to enjoy it," the 34-year-old said. "I know it's a cliche but it is just a case of taking it one Test at a time."
Pakistan vice-captain Salman Butt was understandably pleased by events on the first day of this two-Test series.
"After winning the toss and putting the other side in, it's important you take wickets," he said. "That spell of Asif's had a huge impact."
The opener added: "Australia had two people getting runs but with opposite approaches. Katich was very watchful and Clarke was going for his shots.
"We will try to play close to the body and look for the swing but, on a track like that, you need a bit of luck."
This series should have been played in Pakistan but last year's armed attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore led to the suspension of international cricket in the country.
"It's nice of MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) to host this series but it's always tough when you have a home series away from home," Butt said.
Pakistan's new-ball duo of teenage left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif took six wickets between them as they made the most of captain Shahid Afridi's decision to field first.
Only left-handed opener Katich, with 80, has so far got past fifty with Michael Clarke making 47 and Michael Hussey 39 not out at stumps.
But Australia seamers Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger will hope the cloud cover remains.
"We've got 230-odd runs in the bank," Katich told reporters. "If conditions stay the same, Pakistan may struggle too."
When Pakistan last came to England in 2006 their middle-order featured batsmen of proven quality in Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan.
But Inzamam has since retired while the disciplinary fall-out from Pakistan's 3-0 Test series loss in Australia earlier this year means that Yousuf and Younus aren't even in the squad this time, with their places at Lord's filled by Test debutants Azhar Ali and Umar Amin.
As recently as January, Australia were bowled out for 127 by Pakistan in Sydney yet still won the Test and Katich said: "A couple of guys will really enjoy bowling in these conditions and they've got a couple of inexperienced guys in their line-up."
Australia, apart from a third-wicket stand of 120 between Katich and Clarke. found runs hard to come by.
An they were rocked by Asif's sensational burst of three wickets for no runs in seven balls either side of tea which began when he had Clarke, who looked in good touch, lbw with the last ball before the interval.
"That wicket on tea was important," Katich said. "They got a sniff and on a bit of a roll.
"It was a tough day and at no stage did the sun break through."
Katich, caught behind off Asif after more than three hours at the crease, said of the man who took his wicket: "He's got the ability to move the ball both ways."
As for Aamer, Katich added: "He's an outstanding young bowler. We were impressed with him in Australia, given he was playing on very flat wickets.
"He's a really good competitor who keeps charging in."
This was the ninth successive Test where Katich, who has had a stop-start Australia career, has made a fifty.
Katich insisted there was no secret to his recent consistency.
"When I did get this third opportunity, I really wanted to enjoy it," the 34-year-old said. "I know it's a cliche but it is just a case of taking it one Test at a time."
Pakistan vice-captain Salman Butt was understandably pleased by events on the first day of this two-Test series.
"After winning the toss and putting the other side in, it's important you take wickets," he said. "That spell of Asif's had a huge impact."
The opener added: "Australia had two people getting runs but with opposite approaches. Katich was very watchful and Clarke was going for his shots.
"We will try to play close to the body and look for the swing but, on a track like that, you need a bit of luck."
This series should have been played in Pakistan but last year's armed attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore led to the suspension of international cricket in the country.
"It's nice of MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) to host this series but it's always tough when you have a home series away from home," Butt said.
© AFP, ~ Photo courtesy: Getty Images
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