Fitness, prime importance during Sri Lanka tour : Alam

Lahore, June 28 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam has said that the fitness of the players would be of prime importance during the Sri Lanka tour.

Talking to media persons before leaving for Sri Lanka, Alam highlighted that the players must be more than 100 percent fit to cope -up with difficult weather conditions in the island nation.

"Sri Lanka will be hot and in such a climate your fitness is tested, so we have put a stress on fitness, which will play an important role," The Dawn quoted Alam, as saying.

Alam expressed hope that Pakistan batsmen would tackle the world-class spin duo of Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis efficiently.

"Sri Lanka have quality spinners in Muralitharan and Mendis, but our batting is good and I hope it will be up to the challenge of playing in the heat and against two world-class spinners," he said.

Pakistan team has been bolstered by the return of middle-order batsman Mohammad Yousuf, and all rounder Abdul Razzaq, both of whom have terminated their respective contracts with the rebel Indian Cricket League, (ICL).

Yousuf vowed to give his best during the series, and said that he wanted to return to the international cricket in a 'memorable manner.'

"It will be tough because when you play international cricket after a big gap its difficult, but I will do my best to play my part in the team's win against Sri Lanka, who are a very tough team on their home grounds," said Yousuf. (ANI)