On arriving for Pakistan s two-Test tour of England, newly-appointed team coach Richard Pybus was singing the praises of his learn.

English-horn Pybus said on I hursday the learn would face a lough bailie lo win the two-Test senes starling later this month.

Bui he made it clear who he expected lo win.

It's arguably the most talented side in the world," he said of his new charges. "And it's my job to channel it."

The 37-ycar-old coach, in his second tenure in the role, added: We can't come over here and expect to push England around. Were going to have to work bloody hard.”

Pybus, who was drafted into the team on Tuesday, just hours alu .td of the squad's flight to I ugland, said his first priority wis to (axe stock of both his players and his new situation.

I want to get to know the players, get a feel of where they're going." said Pybus, whose team started their opening three-day fixture against a British Universities side at Trent Bridge on Friday.

I want to get a feel of what's happening in Pakistan cricket. I want to know the right people are on board to make Pakistan a real

force in the world."

England beat Pakistan in their last meeting, winning a three-match away series I-0 at (he end of last year. Nasser Hussain's side have won their last four Test series.

Pakistan, however, despite a mediocre 2000-01 season, have come out on (op in each of their last three tours to England.

Captain Waqar Younis, who has been in his job only a few more weeks than Pybus. was equally confident.

"We have come with a positive frame of mind." the fast bowlei said.

Last year's defeat had hurt. "Hands up, we lost and England played really well.”

But he added: "We want to prove we arc the best side... We want to prove we can beat any side In the world."

Pybus. who made his name in charge of South African side Boi der, only lasted three, months before being sacked as Pakistan coach in 1999.* This iTme he has been given a short-term contract, to be reviewed at the end of (he current tour.

"1 was bitterly disappointed, he said of his sacking, which followed a shake-up in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the wake of a military coup.

.’You don't turn a side around in one month.

I he problem wasn't with the players. I he players were as shocked as I was It was the decision <•! one man and one man alone (the then-chairman of the board).

"It's strange how the wheel spins full circle."

Pybus made it clear Thursday that all was well within (he Pakistan squad.

"Team spirit is a key ingredient. Waqar has the respect of all (he guys. Everybody gets on well, he said. ,

I'he aquad practised for one-and-a-half hours at Trent Bridge on Thursday before rain ended the session.

I earn manager Yawar Saeed, in an apparent reference to the match-fixing allegations, the reports of team rows and previous ill-tempered series between (he sides, said: "I would be very grateful if you could judge us from today onwards - history we would like to forget.

We will play in the best tradi lions and you will see cricket at it' best.’