Cricket: Pakistan out to make amends

KARACHI - Pakistan cricket captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said his team wanted to avenge their first series loss at home to India, when they arrived yesterday for their first full tour in six years of their neighbours.

Inzamam was captain when India beat Pakistan 2-1 in the tests and 3-2 in the one-day internationals last year - their first series victories in Pakistan.

He said: "The Australian tour has been a big learning experience for all of us and I think we are in a position to reap the benefits in India.

"We definitely want to make amends for last year's defeats."

Coach Javed Miandad was sacked after the series and replaced by Bob Woolmer, which had improved the side, Inzamam said.

"Woolmer has helped change the attitude of the boys, which is more positive and professional, and I think they can take the pressure of playing in India."

Pakistan will be without strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar in the test series after he ruled himself out with a hamstring injury, though recalled off spinner Arshad Khan and leg spinner Danish Kaneria are expected to do most of the bowling on the turning wickets.

"Shoaib's absence will be felt. But our strength is playing as a unit. These two [Khan and Kaneria] have a big role to play in India."

Pakistan's first match is a three-day game against the Indian Board President's XI in Dharamsala starting on Thursday.

- REUTERS

Pakistan squad

Salman Butt, Yasir Hameed, Taufeeq Umar, Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq (captain), Yousuf Youhana, Asim Kamal, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Arshad Khan, Danish Kaneria, Muhammad Sami, Rana Naved, Muhammad Khalil.