Kusal Mendis: 'I have no doubt in my batting line-up'

Speaking to reporters ahead of the series opener, Mendis expressed complete confidence in his side's ability to handle a potentially green, pace-friendly pitch - a stark departure from the spin-friendly surfaces that have been rolled out in Pakistan over recent years. Mendis drew particular encouragement from Sri Lanka's performances in English conditions last summer, emphasising the depth and experience of their batting order.

"We know they will be giving a little bit different wicket," Mendis said. "I think the batters have to manage our skills and preparation well. I know we have a very good batting line-up with some very senior players... Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, myself, and a couple of other guys.

Mendis is leading the side in the longest format for the first time, having taken over from Dhananjaya in early October. And his first challenge has been a good one, with the team navigating the hurdles of a lengthy away tour. Sri Lanka have already been in Pakistan for over a month playing white-ball cricket, a schedule that Mendis admitted has taken its toll.

"Honestly, compared to ODIs and T20s, Test cricket is very different," he said. "I think everyone mostly likes to play Test cricket. Me as well. I'm very happy to captain in Test cricket. I think we've been staying in Pakistan for more than one month. It's not easy, sometimes we stay in the hotel and come to practice and that's it... I think it's a little bit hard to stay one month in a hotel. But we do some stuff in the team room, games and individual things [to keep ourselves entertained].

"Overall, we're in a very good path, and when coming to Test cricket, we have to focus on our Test game. It's not easy to play Tests away from home. I think Pakistan will give a very good wicket, and we have a plan in how [we want] to play."

"We have a very balanced side, both with the bowling and batting unit. I think we've done really well in the past couple of tours in the bowling side, and same in one-day cricket - the fast-bowling attack is doing well," Mendis said. "We have a very senior bowling unit, the guys have played so many first-class and international matches. Same in the batting, so everyone is ready for tomorrow's game."

The fast-bowling attack comprises Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga and the allrounder Milan Rathnayaka, while there are lots of spin options, led by Prabath Jayasuriya.

Off the field, the Sri Lankan skipper had nothing but praise for the PCB, noting that excellent security and familiar food have made the long stay comfortable for the squad. "Security-wise, everybody is very happy. Food, we normally eat spicy and everything, so same like in Sri Lanka it's in Pakistan. I think everyone has had a happy stay in Pakistan."