Shahid Afridi all but confirmed that Pakistan would shuffle their top order for the clash against Australia in Colombo on Saturday.
Although he was inevitably asked a number of questions about Shoaib Akhtar, he was noncommital over the fast bowler's position within the side as he prepares for retirement.
Akhtar seems unlikely to play again unless there is an injury to one of Pakistan's fast bowlers, having been dropped for the game against Zimbabwe on Monday.
While Afridi refused to say outright whether Akhtar would carry drinks - as Akhtar himself has promised to do if his services are no longer required - he hinted that Pakistan are happy with the bowling attack that played in the victory over Zimbabwe.
"As far as future matches are concerned, if he fits into the combination, we will play him. At the moment, the combination looks good," said Afridi.
One consideration, given Australia's apparent weakness against spin, would be to bring in Saeed Ajmal.
The offspinner is yet to play in the World Cup, but Afridi insisted that picking him would upset the balance of the side, and said that with himself, Abdur Rehman and Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan have enough spin bowlers at their disposal.
"I think you can't take chances from both sides. If we give Saeed Ajmal a chance, it will mean our batting will be restricted to No 6 or 7. And I think we have a great combination right now. There is no real need to change it now," said Afridi.
However with Umar Akmal fit to take up his place in the team, it looks likely that Ahmed Shehzad will be forced to make way after a poor run of form that's seen him score just 51 runs in five innings at the World Cup.
Although Afridi wouldn't confirm that Shehzad was set for the chop, he did suggest there may be a change in the opening pair and said of Asad Shafiq: "He did well so he should be in, shouldn't he? Definitely he will play the next game."
Shafiq scored 78 not out against Zimbabwe to guide Pakistan to a comfortable victory, and is now set to come in at No 3 after Mohammad Haffez and Kamran Akmal, who must be pleased to see Akhtar's forthcoming retirement dominating the glare of the media.
On the topic of Akhtar's retirement, Afridi said: "I think he took the right decision. It was his own decision. Because of his bowling Pakistan have won quite a few matches. He has set a good example because in Pakistan normally the selector kicks you out, you don't leave yourself. I think he has taken his fitness into consideration."
As for Pakistan's opponents, Afridi knows that his side face a tough battle. Australia are the only team in the tournament who have not yet been beaten although they are also the first to acknowledge that they're yet to be properly tested.
Top spot will be up for grabs on Saturday, which should mean an easier quarter-final clash, although as Ricky Ponting pointed out the best sides have to be beaten at some stage if a World Cup is to be won.
"They are a very professional side and they know how to use these conditions as well. They are very strong mentally and physically," Afridi said of the Aussies.
"But we know our strength as well, we know how to tackle and deal with these guys, so we are well-prepared. We've made some plans against them and you will see tomorrow in the game we will do something new."
