Dual role no problem - Mohsin

Mohsin Khan, Pakistan's interim coach and chief selector, has said he will not let his dual role hamper him or the team in any way during their series against Sri Lanka in the UAE. Sri Lanka, Mohsin said, is a tough opponent, which would make victory against them 'sweeter'.

"I am not going to confuse myself with the double responsibility," Mohsin said on the sidelines of a training session. "The board has asked me to take up the responsibility. It's a challenging one [assignment], a duty that has to be completed with responsibility.

"Sri Lanka, no doubt, is one of the toughest sides in the world to play against, but we are ready to take them on. Conditions there [in the UAE] are obviously neutral for both teams, but what is important is that we have a strong combination. In the end, victory is sweeter when you beat a tough opponent."

With Waqar Younis stepping down as coach, the team's think-tank now comprises all batsmen - Mohsin, assistant coach Ijaz Ahmed and captain Misbah-ul-Haq - but this won't affect their bowling strategies Mohsin said. "I don't think it's a big thing. I am confident that we can make it, despite most of our strategy-makers being batsmen. I have extensive experience playing at the top [opening] slot and opening batsman know the nature of bowlers."

The Pakistan squad for the recent series against Zimbabwe was an experimental one, with the bowling attack in particular featuring several new names, but they still managed to win all their matches on the tour. Mohsin said the selectors has taken a 'successful risk' when choosing that squad and won't be afraid of taking such a risk in future as well. "To achieve a big goal, you have to take risks. So despite receiving extensive criticism, we went with an experimental squad. As a selector, or now a coach, I won't afraid of taking a risk."

Pakistan's Test squad, which will take on Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi from October 18, assembled at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore for a four-day training camp. The 15-man squad, along with the four reserve players, began with fielding drills, followed by nets sessions. The team and its management had met on Monday evening for a briefing session on the new ICC playing rules, code of conduct and anti-corruption codes.