Intikhab hopes for an improved show in Test series against Sri Lanka

Karachi, Feb.1 (ANI): After the disastrous home series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan's cricket coach Intikhab Alam is now focusing on the forthcoming Test series against the islanders.

Alam said that he was looking forward for the series, and hoped that his squad will perform to their potential.

He said that the Lahore debacle, where Pakistan suffered their heaviest defeat in one-day internationals by 234, has affected the morale of the players, but they (players) too are looking forward for an improved show in the Test series.

"It was a heavy defeat at the Gaddafi Stadium. But now we are looking ahead to the Test series. The boys must have learnt lessons from that disaster," The News quoted Alam, as saying.

Alam accepted that Sri Lanka would be offering stiff competition in the series, and his players would have to adjust quickly to tackle the world-class spin duo of Muthiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis.

"Test matches are a different ball game and players must show quick adjustments as per the requirement," he added.

Commenting on new captain Younis Khan, he said: "He (Younis) is a committed guy and possesses positive qualities."

Alam also defended his move of dropping their premier fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and ohail Tanvir from the Lahore ODI, where it was crushed by Sri Lanka, saying : "They didn't perform well in the first two ODIs so the axing was natural." (ANI)