Challenge to take on Murali, Mendis in Lanka: Yousuf

Karachi:

Former ICL player and senior Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf on Friday said tackling the spin duo of Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis during the tour of Sri Lanka would be the toughest challenge for him and his batting colleagues.

Yousuf, who returned to official fold after scrapping ties with the rebel Indian Cricket League, is certain to be named in Pakistan squad for the Sri Lanka tour starting June 27.

The senior batsman, who has played 79 Tests and 269 ODIs, is relishing the prospect of facing mystery spinner Mendis, whom he had encountered once.

"I have played him (Mendis) just once but I have watched his videos as a preparation for the coming tour," Yousuf said.

"But it is the ideal series for me to make a comeback because I relish challenges. And I would love to do well against the duo (of Murali and Mendis), especially since I have not played much against Mendis," he said.

Mendis has been a big success for Sri Lanka in the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup in England with batsmen failing to read him properly.

Yousuf said although ICL was a good experience, he was eager to don the national colours yet again.

"The ICL was a good experience but I am looking forward to the challenge of playing for my country once again. I have been training hard especially on my fitness since touring Sri Lanka is always a hard series," said Yousuf, who last played for Pakistan in July last year.

"It is a big challenge playing out there and I am sure with our team on a winning streak and having gained momentum we will have a good tour."

Yousuf is one of the four players who have recently resigned from the ICL and been allowed by the Pakistan Cricket Board to be considered for national selection again.