Rashid Latif believes that his ex-teammates are already starting to play to their true potential under new coach Bob Woolmer, something that they have not done for a while.

"It is too early to start making predictions about where our team is headed but one thing I can tell you after watching them play in the Asia Cup and against India in Amstelveen; they are already showing improvement," Rashid said in an interview from Sheffield in England.

The wicketkeeper is playing league cricket in Sheffield and for the Lashings Club besides helping the South Asian Muslim community establish cricket academies with the assistance of their councils in major cities.

The experienced Pakistan player had no doubt that Woolmer has had a good effect on the team and with his shrewd handling of the players and planning was capable of making them play to their full potential.

Pakistan has always been a good and dangerous side. But our biggest problem has been consistency and organization. Because the players tend to relax and not play to their full potential on given days. And the new coach apparently has realized this and is working on making them a more disciplined and organized outfit on the field."

Rashid who had two stints as captain in 1998 and than in 2003 after the World Cup believed that Woolmer had done the right thing by recalling all-rounder Shahid Afridi. "I think he also needs to have a look at some other young players back home. Obviously he will take time to get a grip on our particular cricket culture. But he has already taken all the right steps," Rashid said.

Making it clear he had not retired from international or domestic cricket, Rashid said he would be returning home to play the domestic season for Allied Bank and Karachi and would like to remain in contention for some of the important series coming up in future.

Rashid also had a piece of advice for Woolmer stating he needed to show no leniency towards players who were not giving 100 per cent for Pakistan as there was no shortage of talent back home.

"If you have players like Asim Kamal, Muhammad Hafeez, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria sitting out then you need not worry about any shortage of talent."

"I think he already has conveyed this to the players because they looked a disciplined and organized lot in the Asia Cup and against India on Saturday. But people should not expect miracles overnight and must realize there will be setbacks before the team really settles down."

Rashid felt that Pakistan’s real test is going to come against Australia in the coming matches in Holland and England.

"Australia is the benchmark for any team to assess its worth and I believe our team has the players and talent to surprise them. Australia have always feared Pakistan as a dangerous side," he added.

The former Pakistan skipper said for Woolmer also the assignment with the Pakistan team was a big challenge given his proven track record, reputation and profile in international cricket.

"I think even he realizes that if he can turn this Pakistan team into a consistent and organized outfit he would have achieved something not many have done before."