Pakistan's cricket authorities have decide to continue with Malik as captain until the end of 2008 despite the Test and one-day defeats against South Africa and India.
KARACHI: Asserting that he had learnt from the mistakes committed during series defeats to South Africa and India last year, Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik on Friday promised improved performance from the team in 2008.
Pakistan's cricket authorities have decide to continue with Malik as captain until the end of 2008 despite the Test and one-day defeats against South Africa and India which came in for sharp criticism.
Malik leads his team into a five one-day international series against the lowly ranked Zimbabwe from Monday.
The 26-year-old said the reversals against South Africa and India had made him a better captain.
"I am not going to repeat the mistakes I made last year. I am feeling positive and confident as a captain and players. The good thing the seniors are backing me totally and we are united," he said.
"This is a new year and hopefully we can do better now," he said.
Malik said the Zimbabwe series was a good opportunity to prepare and test new players for the home series against Australia in March-April.
"Before the Australia series it is a good opportunity to try out youngsters who have performed well in domestic cricket," he said.
"We will definitely try out one or two players in every match. Eventually we need to test out new players if we are going to adopt a rotation policy in future specially for the fast bowlers," he added.
Malik, who was struggling with an ankle injury, said he was fully fit now and had completed the rehabilitation program given to him by the PCB medical panel.
The all-rounder also defended his own performances and said in the last match he played in India he was man of the match.
"I just want to let everyone know I am capable of handling the pressures of captaincy and player together. I am feeling positive and bright for this year and I am happy the board has reposed confidence in me again," Malik said.
Pakistan have included three uncapped players including left arm pacers Samiullah Niazi and Kamran Hussain for the first two one-dayers against Zimbabwe and Malik said he would definitely like to see some new pacers playing in the series.
"In the absence of Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Sami our experienced bowlers it is the best chance for youngsters to seize their chance and make a lasting impression," he said.
He, however, dismissed suggestions Pakistan was taking Zimbabwe lightly and said the minnows were not a bad one-day side.
He was also supportive of new coach Geoff Lawson, the former Australian Test player.
Asked to make a comparison between Lawson and former coach, Bob Woolmer, Malik said the comparison was not fair.
"Woolmer had worked with the South Africans and also the ICC. He had his own set of ideas. Lawson is also dedicate and committed but he is in his first year as international coach and obviously we need to give him time to settle down. I am confident he can deliver," he said.
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