Pak skipper calls for fightback by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	Younis Khan, Intikhab Alam
Event:	Pakistan in Sri Lanka 2009

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DateLine: 19th July 2009

 

Younis Khan is looking to inject some momentum when the final Test against Sri Lanka begins in Colombo.

 

Less than a month after winning the World Twenty20, Pakistan have lost two Tests against Sri Lanka which has helped the home side take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

 

These losses have led to charges of disunity in the team from all quarters.

 

The accusations gained force when Younis hit out at his under-performing middle-order following defeat inside three days in the second Test at the P Sara Oval.

 

One of the major reasons for Pakistan's defeats have been astonishing batting collapses, all of which has helped Sri Lanka secure their first series victory over their opponents at home.

 

Younis, the frank man he is has had no qualms in admitting that his team was playing way below potential.

 

"The team is only about 20% away from being where I want it to be," Younus said.

 

"For short periods we play great cricket, but then let ourselves down by showing a lack of application.

 

"Once again it comes down to the lack of Test cricket we have played over the last two years.

 

"We will be playing for pride and want to get some momentum going into the one-dayers."

 

Meanwhile coach Intikhab Alam rubbished allegations of infighting in the team and has called for a leap of faith among the current squad.

 

"It is nothing new in Pakistan cricket, but I can only urge our former players not to do things which will damage their own team," Alam said.

 

"The batting has let us down badly, but we can't afford another failure.

 

"No player wants to fail. I think our senior players are just going through a bad time and need support."