Misbah-ul-Haq: "We've had a lean year with no Test matches and it's very important for us to play strong teams like India" © AFP Enlarge

Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan vice-captain, believes India is the most improved side in international cricket and hopes the team tours Pakistan next month in what he expects will be an exciting series.

"It has a very strong batting line-up but I must say that we have a very good bowling attack," Misbah said. "All of the [Pakistan] team players are hoping that the series does take place. We've had a lean year with no Test matches and it's very important for us to play strong teams like India."

The series is in doubt following a deterioration in relations between the two countries, a fallout from the Mumbai attacks which India alleges had links to elements in Pakistan. Though India's foreign affairs ministry is yet to take a final decision on the tour, the sports minister is not in favour of the team travelling to Pakistan.

Sri Lanka have offered to tour Pakistan if India back out and Misbah said in such a case that it would be better to play them than not to play at all.