Karachi, Oct 14(ANI): Pakistan is not taking Sri Lanka 'lightly' on the basis of their recent performances, and is expecting a 'tough battle' in the upcoming Test series in the UAE, Pakistan's interim coach Mohsin Khan has said.
Sri Lanka have been unable to clinch a Test series since their 2-0 victory over New Zealand in August 2009, and have also not won a Test match after handing out a 10-wicket drubbing to India in July last year.
However, Sri Lanka's miserable form in Test matches is not to be considered a plus point, Mohsin said at the conclusion of the Pakistan team's training camp in Lahore.
"One can't take a major Test side lightly on basis of its recent performances." The Express Tribune quoted Mohsin, as saying after the camp ended.
"We have a tough challenge ahead of us. Sri Lanka are dangerous as they'll give it their all to make a comeback in Tests," he noted.
Sri Lanka have not enjoyed a good run in Tests, and went down 1-0 to both England and Australia in this year's series. Critics say that the retirement of Test cricket's leading wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan has considerably weakened the team.
But Mohsin said that the absence of Muralitharan was not an advantage for Pakistan.
"Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a lot of talent and one should be ready to face the music," he said. "We're expecting a tough battle. I won't make tall claims but I'll say that our players are ready."
Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq agreed with Mohsin, saying that the retirement of Muralitharan and fast-bowler Lasith Malinga does not give his team an upper hand.
"No doubt Sri Lanka's bowling has been weakened, but they remain a formidable side and it would be foolish on our part to underestimate them," Misbah said. (ANI)
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