Young team but morale is high, says Sarfraz Ahmed

ABU DHABI: On the eve of first test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed Stadium here, scheduled to begin on Thursday, captains Sarfraz Ahmed and Dinesh Chandimal faced the media in the pre-match press conference to give their thoughts on the two-match test series.

Addressing the press conference, Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal said that his team is going to face a strong competitor as Pakistan has recently won the ICC Champions’ Trophy.

“The Sri Lanka squad comprises bowlers with fine bowling performances, our team is balanced,” Chandimal remarked.

Anticipating a tough competition, Chandimal said that his team will demonstrate impressive performance against Pakistan.

In absence of two legendary test cricketers, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, the Sri Lankan captain said his team will have an advantage over Pakistan in the two-match test series.

In response to a question, he said that the team has not yet discussed its tour to Lahore.

Speaking at the press conference earlier, Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed said that both sides comprise young players and the series will be challenging for either team.

“We will try to give a tough time to Sri Lanka,” Ahmed said, adding that Pakistan is a safe place and Sri Lankan team should visit it to play the scheduled-t20.

He said that he learnt a lot from Misbah and Younis, adding: “The team’s morale is very good. The series will be a good exposure for everybody. It will be the first time in many years that we have a very young team taking the field. The boys are very excited and looking forward to the series.”