Younus dismisses rift rumours

Skipper hoping to bounce-back in one-day series

By James Riach   Last updated: 29th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Younus dismisses rift rumours

Younus: Hoping to bounce back

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Pakistan captain Younus Khan has refused to blame dissidence within his team for the 2-0 Test series defeat to Sri Lanka.

The skipper faced severe criticism for failing to inspire his side during Sri Lanka's first series victory over Pakistan on home soil, and is hoping to restore some pride in the upcoming one-day games starting in Dambulla on Thursday.

Several former players have blamed the Test defeats on a rift within the Pakistan squad, but these rumours have been quashed by the 31-year-old captain.

Only weeks after the remarkable ICC World Twenty20 triumph in England, Younus rebuffed claims that he doesn't have the full backing of his side.

"We've gone from hero to zero within the span of a few Tests," he said.

"But this is just a lot of speculation. In the past we have had great players in the team, but there are no superstars in this team.

"No one in this team, including myself, can purposely under-perform. We all have to perform to remain in this side."

Boost

Pakistan will be boosted by the return of all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who opted out of the Test series in order to rest following some spectacular performances in the Twenty20.

Fellow all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is also expected to feature in the five ODI matches, while Rana Naved, Imran Nazir and Umar Akmal give Pakistan a selection dilemma.

"The Tests are behind us and we are looking forward to doing well in the one-day series," Younus said.

"There are many players in this team who did not feature in the Tests and they are keen to prove that Pakistan is one of the best one-day teams in the world."

Sri Lanka will be buoyed by the return of Muttiah Muralitheran for the ODI series. The lead one-day wicket-taker missed out on the Test matches due to a knee injury, but Kumar Sangakkara's side will have to do without Twenty20 star Tillakaratne Dilshan who misses out with a fractured finger.