KARACHI, Dec 24: Pakistan can expect a hard and close Test series against an India side including their recalled former captain Saurav Ganguly next month, Pakistan skipper Inzamamul Haq said on Saturday.

“They have announced a very balanced, strong and experienced touring squad for the Tests,” Inzamam said.

“The decision to recall Saurav shows they have gone for experience,” he said.

India’s selectors recalled Ganguly to a 16-strong squad announced on Saturday after dropping him for the third and last Test against Sri Lanka which India won on Thursday to claim the home series 2-0. The left-hander has suffered a slump in form.

“Saurav is a very experienced campaigner and he led them to Pakistan last year in a successful series. I think they are counting on him to deliver in Pakistani conditions,” Inzamam said.

India are scheduled to play three Test matches followed by five one-dayers in Pakistan.

Ganguly has scored 5,150 runs in 86 tests and he holds the Indian record for most victories in Tests and one-dayers as captain. Under his captaincy, India won 21 Tests and 76 one-dayers including the series in Pakistan last year.

“He has played in numerous matches against India and also been to Pakistan twice. The Indian selectors feel he can better handle the pressures of playing Pakistan than any younger player,” Inzamam said.

Inzamam said the 2-0 home series victory over England which ended on Dec 3 would count for nothing against India as the pressures and expectations of an India-Pakistan series surpassed every other contest.

“The only thing in our favour is that our boys are confident after beating England and are in form.”—Reuters