Pak will not be rusty against Lanka, says Younis

Pakistan might not have played Test cricket for over a year, but skipper Younis Khan has brushed aside concerns about their ability to do well during the two-match series against Sri Lanka commencing here on Saturday.

"I don't think that we are playing after nearly 14 months is a big concern as the cricketers have been playing lot of domestic cricket and so they are ready for the longer version of the game.

"If we play hard and competitive cricket, we can do well. We have a good side and I am confident about it. Our bowling is sharp and penetrative," Younis said on Friday.

Lahore will host the second Test from March 1.

Younis, who replaced Shoaib Malik as the helmsman of the team, also dismissed speculations that the former captain will be opening the innings for the team during the series.

"Malik is now a very matured and complete batsman and we might consider him to open in the one-dayers or Twenty20 matches but Test cricket is different. I don't want to take any risks. I believe in going with specialist players," Younis said.