Mahela Jayawardene said he was looking forward to the challenge of facing Pakistan in a tough two-Test series starting next week, after which he will step down as Sri Lankan captain. "I have always said that Pakistan is a quality team and it is going to be a good challenge facing them.
We look forward to the challenge," said Jayawardene after the Sri Lanka squad arrived here on Sunday. Sri Lanka agreed to replace India after New Delhi refused to allow its national team to tour Pakistan amid heightened political tension between the two countries following terrorists attacks in Mumbai in November last year.
Jaywardene-led Sri Lanka came from behind to win the one-day series 2-1 against Pakistan here last month. They then returned home to lose a five-match one-day series 4-1 to India.
Sri Lanka will start their current tour with a two-day warm-up match here from Tuesday. The first Test starts here on February 21, while the second is scheduled to begin in Lahore from March 1. Jayawardene said Pakistan would be a formidable opponent despite Shoaib Malik sacked as captain after the Sri Lanka defeat and Younus Khan taking over last month. Jayawardene also dispelled the impression that Pakistan would be rusty, having not played Test cricket for 14 months.
"We know that they have not played Test cricket for quite some time, so we have to wait (to see) what their approach is going to be but they have experienced players," said Jayawardene.
Pakistan were left without a Test after Australia refused to tour over security fears in March last year. Jayawardene said he enjoyed leading Sri Lanka.
"I just want to enjoy this last series as captain as I have enjoyed the last three years (of captaincy). I have three-four years of cricket left so I want to contribute as a batsman with all my experience," said Jayawardene.
Sri Lanka's 15-man squad includes uncapped opener Tharanga Paranavitana and paceman Suranga Lakmal - both described as fast-rising players by Jayawardene. Squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez Maharoof, Dilhara Fernando, Thilan Thushara, Suranga Lakmal.