Sport News

Malik buoyant despite Asif loss

category: Cricket

06.06.2008 17:52

Pace bowler Asif was dropped after he was detained at Dubai airport on suspicion of carrying illegal drugs.

"We still have a good bowling attack with Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Sohail Khan and Rao Iftikhar," said Malik.

India and Bangladesh also contest the series, which begins on Sunday when Pakistan play the hosts in Mirpur.

Asif's place in the 16-man squad has gone to fast bowler Suhail Khan, who has played three one-day internationals and collected four dismissals for Pakistan.

Asif, 25, has been Pakistan's most consistent fast bowler of late, picking up 51 Test and 36 one-day wickets since his debut against Australia in January 2005.



Malik is likely to use Sohail Tanvir - the leading wicket taker of the Indian Premier League with 22 dismissals for champions Rajasthan Royals - as his pace spearhead.

Despite the lack of international cricket in 2008, Pakistan travel east on the back of an 11-match winning run after successive 5-0 series thrashings over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

"Our goal is to maintain consistency. We have won 11 games in a row and now we want to continue it and add three more wins here," said Malik.

The tri-series will serve as the ideal warm-up for the Asia Cup, which takes place in Pakistan later this month.

"It will help us get into the groove for the Asia Cup at home," said Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson. "The boys are desperate to play good cricket again."



India, in stark contrast to their neighbours, will begin yet another hectic calendar of cricket just days after the end of a successful IPL campaign.

But one-day captain Mahendra Dhoni believes his players are ready for the challenges ahead.

"Motivation is never a problem when playing for India," said the wicket-keeper. "The key is to stay fit and pace ourselves."

India are without Sachin Tendulkar, who is recovering from a groin injury to ensure he is fit for the Test and one-day tour of Sri Lanka in July.

Original text is here

  Add comment

Name:
E-Mail:
Comment:
Enter code: