Pakistan will put aside off-field issues to test Sri Lanka: Jayawardena

Mahela Jayawardena expects Pakistan to put aside its off-field issues and come hard at Sri Lanka when the two sides go head-to-head in the United Arab Emirates starting later this month.

Pakistan comes into the series of three Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and one Twenty20 International (T20I) with Chairman of Selectors Mohsin Khan acting as interim coach following the resignation of previous incumbent Waqar Younis.

And the build-up to the series is taking place in the shadow of the spot-fixing trial in London involving allegations against two former players, Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif.

But despite those distractions, former Sri Lanka captain Jayawardena expects Pakistan to be a formidable opponent when the action begins with the opening Test in Abu Dhabi on 18 October.

"I don't think it's ever been any different with Pakistan. The team has many controversies but on the field they do perform," he said.

"They are a talented group of players and once they are on the field they pose a great threat.

"They have always had issues, on the field and off the field, but I think you know they still perform and if you give them an inch then they make sure they run you over.

"You see the talent of the squad that's been assembled and it's a very experienced squad as well as having some really good young talent. We have to be playing some really good cricket to beat these guys," he added.

Jayawardena and his team-mates will have the chance to test themselves against Pakistan in Dubai, as well as in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

The Test series comes first with matches in Abu Dhabi (starting on 18 October), Dubai International Cricket Stadium at Dubai Sports City (starting on 26 October) and Sharjah (starting on 3 November).

Dubai hosts the first three matches of the ODI series on 11, 14 and 18 November, with subsequent matches in Sharjah (20 November) and Abu Dhabi (23 November). Abu Dhabi also hosts a T20I (25 November).

And the Dubai International Cricket Stadium at Dubai Sports City is gearing up for its biggest cricket season since opening in 2009, with 34 days of international action over the next six months.

The venue sees Pakistan play Sri Lanka in one Test and three ODIs in October and November before England arrives to face Pakistan in two Tests, two ODIs and two T20Is in January and February 2012. Then, in March, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host matches in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.

Pakistan's attack for the Sri Lanka Test series looks especially potent with the return to the squad of fast bowlers Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz after both missed the recent tour to Zimbabwe.

They will line-up alongside fellow pacers Aizaz Cheema and Junaid Khan, and with off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and left-armer Abdur Rehman also selected, Pakistan looks to have all bowling options covered.

In the face of that threat, Sri Lanka's ability to be competitive may depend on its three senior batsmen - Jayawardena along with Kumar Sangakkara and current captain Tillakaratne Dilshan.

And Jayawardena said the duel between Pakistan's bowlers and Sri Lanka's batsmen is likely to be the one that will decide the fate of the three-Test series.

"It's been pretty much that way in the last couple of series against them - it's a great tussle," he said.

"Pakistan have produced some really good bowlers and its going to be the same for us this time. We really have to get the runs on the board and try to pressure the Pakistani batsman.

"Obviously our bowling attack is a bit depleted with Murali not being there but the youngsters have shown a lot of potential, and the more they play, the more they will gain experience and perform in the highest level."

Details of how to purchase tickets and hospitality packages for the Pakistan - Sri Lanka series will be announced in the very near future.

Dubai International Cricket Stadium - Test, ODI and T20I cricket schedule 2011/12

October

26 - 30 Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Test match

November

11, 14 & 18 Pakistan v Sri Lanka ODIs

January

17 - 21 Pakistan v England, Test match

February

3 - 7 Pakistan v England, Test match

18 & 21 Pakistan v England ODIs

23 & 25 Pakistan v England T20Is

March

13 - 24 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier