Misbah, Waqar target top Test spot for Pakistan

KARACHI, Aug 2 (AFP): Skipper Misbah-ul Haq and head coach Waqar Younis Saturday said they were aiming for Pakistan to claim the top Test spot as they left for a Test and one-day series against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, currently third in the Test rankings, briefly attained world number two in 2006 but have never been number one.

Misbah said Pakistan could take the top spot if they won in Sri Lanka and against Australia in October.

"We have a very good chance and it's a big motivation for us to become top Test team," Misbah told reporters as the team departed for Colombo.

Pakistan open the tour with the first of two Tests in Galle starting from August 6. They also play three one-day matches.

"We will do our best to grab this as we have a very good opportunity to reach the top," said Misbah.

Misbah said playing Tests after a gap of more than six months since their last series in January had mixed effects.

"I think everything has its advantages and disadvantages and playing a Test after a gap too has its good and bad effects," he said.

"We got a gap so we worked on our fitness and worked on some tactical issues but the disadvantage is that we need time to return to the Test format but we have the first Test at Galle in our focus and will have to be up to the mark," said Misbah.

Misbah predicted a close series with Sri Lanka, who last month lost to South Africa 1-0 in a two-Test series.

"Both teams know each other well," said Misbah of Sri Lanka, who Pakistan have played in five series in as many years.