Karachi: Pakistan captain Younis Khan Wednesday said he regretted that Australia had rested some of its best players from the squad to face his own in a limited-overs series later this month.
Younis said he was "not expecting much" from his own side in the forthcoming tournament, but that they would miss the valuable experience of playing against the likes of Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson.
Australia have rested skipper Ponting, star batsman Hussey and pace spearhead Johnson for the five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match starting in the United Arab Emirates on April 22.
"When you play against the top players like Ponting, you learn different and good things," said Younis, who took over as captain in February this year. "Ponting is a brilliant captain and when you play against such a leader you tend to learn. Hussey is a stubborn batsman and Johnson has developed into a world-class bowler whose every delivery is near 140 kmph, so we will miss them."
Despite resting the top trio, Australia have still named a formidable 14-man squad for the series, bringing in all-rounders Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson, and fast bowler Brett Lee.
Michael Clarke was named captain of the touring party, with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin replacing him as vice-captain. Younis, 31, said playing against Australia would help his young side gain experience.
"It is a great opportunity for this young team. When you play against a top team like Australia there are a lot of opportunities to learn and I hope my team gain in experience," said Younis.
Younis singled out Australia's attitude as the best trait to follow. "Australians have an attitude, which says everything about their cricket. That is, not to give up, aggression in all situations and I am sure my team will observe that.
"If my team plays a little bit above their potential then I am sure we can achieve better results. I am not expecting much from this team but my main expectation is that they play with full throttle and potential."
Referring to paceman Shoaib Akhtar, who was included in the 15-man squad on Monday after recovering from a knee injury, Younis said he would not put extra pressure on the bowler.
"My request to Akhtar is to play for the team, for himself and remain focused on the game. I will not put extra pressure of expectations on him but he will have to play with his full ability," said Younis
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