Former Yorkshire overseas player Simon Katich has warned his Australia team-mates that Pakistan will provide stiffer opposition in English conditions than they did Down Under last winter.

The two teams lock horns at Lord’s tomorrow in the first of two MCC Spirit of Cricket Test matches, the second of which will be played at Headingley next week.

The last time they met was in Australia after Christmas and the Aussies won 3-0 as the Pakistani camp descended into chaos, with players subsequently being banned for causing dressing room unrest.

But with Shahid Afridi’s men now looking a more settled unit, the series promises to be an intriguing one.

Katich, who has just spent a month as Lancashire’s overseas player, said: “Pakistan are a good side.

“They will prefer to play here more than they would in Australia, there’s no doubt about that. Conditions here will suit them a little bit more and we know it will be a tough series.

“It probably is going to be a bit of a relief for them to get away from all the stuff that’s gone on off the field with the guys getting banned.

“A lot of their guys have played over here in England before, whether it’s in county cricket or in international cricket. They’re experienced enough to know what to expect.

“But we’ve got a reasonable record at Lord’s and hopefully we can play well at Headingley too.”

Katich, 34, spent just over a fortnight as the White Rose county’s overseas player in 2002 – a locum replacement for Darren Lehmann.

He played one County Championship match, two National League games and a C&G Trophy tie. His highest score was 40 not out.

New South Wales captain Katich says he is looking forward to returning to Headingley because “it’s a special place for me”.

“I made my Test debut there (in 2001 against England),” he added, referring to the Test when Mark Butcher scored 173 to help the hosts chase down 315 to win by six wickets.

Katich scored 15 and nought – he also got a duck at Headingley in last year’s Test – but said: “Even though it didn’t pan out the way I would have liked, it’s always nice to get your first Test out of the way.

“I’ve played two Tests there now but haven’t managed to make a huge amount of runs. I’ve done well at Lord’s over the years. Hopefully I can get runs at Lord’s and take it into Headingley.”