Pak cricket squad leaves for UAE

Pakistan cricket team left for Dubai today (Monday) to play a home series against England in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commencing from January 17.Pakistan will play three Tests, four one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals during the series.England team have already reached in United Arab Emirates to get familiar with the conditions in UAE. They are presently playing a tour match against ICC selected XI in Dubai and play one other tour game against PCB’s XI before the start of the Test series. England came in UAE with full preparations and likely to give tough time to Pakistan and will prove tough opponents.Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq said that Pakistan have a slight edge over England because of the home advantage. “We have played in the United Arab Emirates before so we have become used to the venues there.” Misbah said that conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi would be difficult for bowlers and batsmen alike. “If you look at the conditions in the UAE, it’s difficult for bowlers to take wickets, it’s also difficult for batsmen to score runs because of the slow pitches where the ball doesn’t come onto the bat. It will be a challenge for both the teams.”Pakistan skipper said his side will not be intimidated by England’s number one Test status when the two teams square off against each other in the upcoming series in UAE. “England deserve credit and respect for having attained the number one Test ranking but it does not mean we are going to be intimidated by their reputation,” Misbah said.Following is the Test squad:Misbah-ul-Haq (c), M Hafeez, Taufiq Umar, Imran Farhat, Younus Khan, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Adnan Akmal, M Talha, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman.