Sri Lanka's newly appointed Test captain Kusal Mendis has expressed confidence in his experienced batting line-up ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, saying the team is well prepared to tackle challenging playing conditions.
Speaking to media ahead of the series opener, scheduled to begin tomorrow (09), skipper Mendis said Sri Lanka were ready to face a potentially green and pace-friendly pitch, which could offer a different challenge from the spin-friendly surfaces traditionally prepared in Pakistan.
The Sri Lankan skipper said the team's successful performances in English conditions last summer had given him confidence in the ability of his batters to adapt.
"We know they will be giving a little bit different wicket. I think the batters have to manage our skills and preparation well," Mendis said, expressing confidence in senior players including Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva.
He added that the experience gained in England would help the team cope with conditions in Rawalpindi.
Mendis, who took over the Test captaincy from Dhananjaya de Silva in early October, will lead Sri Lanka in the longest format for the first time.
Reflecting on the team's lengthy stay in Pakistan, where they have already spent more than a month competing in white-ball cricket, Mendis acknowledged that the extended tour had been challenging for the players.
He said the team had found ways to remain motivated through indoor activities and individual preparations while maintaining focus on the upcoming Test assignment.
The captain also expressed confidence in Sri Lanka's overall balance, highlighting the experience and recent performances of both the batting and bowling units.
Although Sri Lanka are yet to register a Test victory in their two series against the West Indies and India this year, Mendis praised the bowling attack, particularly the fast bowlers, for their performances across formats.
Sri Lanka's pace attack includes Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga and all-rounder Milan Rathnayaka, while Prabath Jayasuriya leads the team's spin options.
Mendis said the bowling unit had considerable first-class and international experience, adding that both the batters and bowlers were ready for the opening encounter.
– with Agencies inputs --
