Former Yorkshire overseas player Simon Katich has warned his Australia team-mates 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 looking a more settled unit now, 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.

“A lot of their guys have played over here in England before, whether it’s in county cricket or in international cricket. 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 matches and a C&G Trophy tie. His highest score was 40 not out.

The New South Wales captain, however, 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.