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Warne absence worries Taylor

Shane Warne's absence is a far greater concern to Australia than the fitness of Pakistan pacemen Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, captain Mark Taylor said.

There are doubts over the availability of the two brilliant Pakistanis ahead of Australia's tour next month, but Taylor has the pressure of leading a team without his best bowler.

Taylor has heard differing reports about the fitness of Waqar, who returned home from English county cricket with an elbow injury, and the availability of former captain Akram, who is in dispute with Pakistan Cricket Board officials.

Pakistan has named Aamir Sohail captain and former captain Javed Miandad coach for the series against the Australians, but is yet to name a squad.

"I don't really know what's happening with Waqar or Wasim, I'm only getting a few reports and one is that Waqar is finished for the county season and may not play,'' Taylor said. "But you never know, he might be just going home for a rest before he hits us in another couple of months.''

Taylor said Pakistan had some good potential replacements if the two strike bowlers are missing.

More crucial is the performance of his bowlers, who were punished on a losing tour of India earlier this year.

Without Warne, Australia's spin attack will rest with the inexperienced duo of Gavin Robertson and Stuart Macgill.

"It's not just a matter of Robertson and Macgill,'' said Taylor. "It's our whole side realising that Warne has been an outstanding contributor for us over a number of years. We have to make sure we lift for him.''

Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie both missed the Indian tour through injury but are on the comeback trail, while Mike Kasprowicz had a strong tour despite tough conditions.

"The good thing is a bloke like Kasprowicz is a much better bowler than he was 12 months ago, and Damien Fleming is back, fit, and when he bowls well he's very handy in places like the subcontinent,'' Taylor said.

"Gavin probably has had enough experience now, but it's going to be tougher for Macgill who's only had one Test against England at Adelaide. He had some exposure on the tour of India, but only played a couple of games.''