Adam Gilchrist heaped praise on Brian Lara and admitted he had a point to prove against Wasim Akram ahead of Australia's big World Cup match with Pakistan at the Wanderers.

Gilchrist said Lara, who scored a breath-taking century against South Africa in Cape Town in the opening match of the World Cup, deserved enormous credit for such a stirring innings after recent form and health problems.

"He has come out and said he's worked hard and made a big statement saying he wants to get back to being number one in the world and have a big impact," said Gilchrist.

"It really was terrific just to kickstart the World Cup - with all the controversies that have been around - and to see a champion like him stamp his authority.

"Hopefully it signifies how the World Cup will go, that the stars will shine."

The battle between aggressive opening batsman Gilchrist and Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis and Wasim will be a highlight of the game.

"I haven't particularly done well against Pakistan in recent matches - Akram seems to terrorise my off-stump on a regular basis," said Gilchrist.

Gilchrist agreed that Pakistan was a dangerous and totally unpredictable opponent.

Australia lost two of its early pool matches in 1999 - one of those to Pakistan but still recovered to lift the trophy.

"We managed to turn it around then but it's not the route I would like to take, to be in that scenario again," said Gilchrist.

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