We will be equal to the task against top class Lanka: Mohsin

“Though Sri Lanka is one of the best teams in the world today because of their balance and professionalism, Pakistan is also a well-balanced side fully capable of beating them in the tough series,” Mohsin told our reporters on Wednesday.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s new head coach Mohsin Hasan Khan claims his team is quite capable to win the upcoming Test series against former world champions Sri Lanka in the upcoming Test series at the neutral venues of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Oct 18.


“They (Sri Lankans) have top-class batsmen like (Mahela) Jayawardene, (Kumar) Sangakkara, (Tillakaratne) Dilshan and other and a very decent pace attack, besides a very organised spin-attack. So altogether they are a very balanced team and a tough opposition,” Mohsin added.
Asked about the reason for showing so much faith in the current Pakistan team against a strong side like Sri Lanka, Mohsin said: “I feel this Pakistan team is full of talent in all the departments. In batting, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Hafeez are solid players who can be the inspiring force for the talented young batsmen in the line up.
“Also, all-rounder Shoaib Malik’s experience will help the team a lot.
“World-class bowler like Umar Gul and hard working pacers such as Wahab Riaz and Aizaz Cheema coupled with the talent of Junaid Khan form a very effective pace attack for Pakistan which gives me great hope for the upcoming series,” Mohsin said.
Moreover, he added spin twins Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman had proved to be world-class spinners in all the formats of the game and wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal was doing a brilliant job behind the wicket as well to complete the combination.
The former opener further said he had very high hopes from openers Taufiq Umar and Imran Farhat in the series.
“Though we have a good combination, team spirit and unity will Inshallah be the key for us and I am sure the captain as well as every player will give 100 per cent in the contest.”
About the playing conditions in the UAE, Mohsin said that they were similar for both the teams.
Mohsin also expressed hope that his team would give an improved performance in fielding.
When asked about his plans as team coach, Mohsin said: “My top priority will be to prepare plan ‘A’ and ‘B’ in consultation with the captain for each day, especially, in the Test matches where the plans needed to be altered according to the sessions.
“If you have good plan ‘A’ and a good back-up plan ‘B’, then it becomes much easier for the captain and the whole team to achieve success,” he stressed.
“Another very important duty of mine will be to make all the players mentally tough because cricket is a game which not only needs physical toughness but also lot of mental toughness.”