Mahela Jayawardena is hoping that the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, which will be his last as Sri Lanka’s captain will end on a winning note. Jayawardena, who will step down as captain after the series, said that his team has a good combination of young and experienced players and hoped that a Test series win was possible outside Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, who won the ODI series in Pakistan 2-1 in January, will play a three-day warm-up in Karachi before the first Test, which starts on February 21. "The boys have practiced very hard and it is an opportunity for us to perform well and win the series. Winning a Test series outside Sri Lanka is always great," Jayawardena told reporters before leaving for Pakistan. The first Test in Pakistan will be played in Karachi from February 21-25 while the second will be played in Lahore from March 1-5 Under Jayawardena's captaincy, Sri Lanka has won 15 Tests, lost seven and drew four with the winning ratio of 62.5 percent. As captain, he averaged 64.70 in Tests with 11 centuries. Unsure about the conditions in Pakistan for the upcoming Test series, Jayawardena said his team will study and assess the situation. “Our chances are good but we have to wait and see what the conditions are going to be after the one-day series. I am not quite sure how they want to go about especially in the preparation of wickets. We'll go there and see what challenges lie ahead of us and try and make plans accordingly." Sri Lanka has named two newcomers in their 15-man squad, batsman Tharanga Paranavitana and fast bowler Suranga Lakmal. The skipper had a word of encouragement for the youngsters. "It is a good opportunity for the newcomers, especially for Suranga Lakmal to learn from the fast Pakistani wickets. We are well focused on the tour and would do our utmost to the series," said Jayawardena, who has led the Sri Lankan team in 26 Tests and 97 ODIs during the past three years. Sri Lanka’s last Test series in Pakistan four years ago ended in a one-all draw.
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