Consistecy key to success for Pakistan: Malik

Lahore, June 28 (UNI) Consistency seems to be the buzzword for Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik as his side prepares to take on arch-rivals India in a one-off ODI in Glasgow early next month.

Malik, who succeeded Inzamam-ul-Haq as skipper, made it clear that consistency, rather than pressure, will have to be the priority for a team looking to shrugg off the Caribbean debacle.

''I want to see consistency in the performance of the team.

Our aim is to play high quality cricket in both the matches and I have urged all my colleagues to put in their best,'' he said.

Pakistan will play Scotland in Edinburgh on July 1 and then take on traditional rivals India in Glasgow on July 3.

''The two matches will be a test of the players to show how much fitness they have gained and how better they will perform in the field,'' he told reporters while leaving for Scotland.

On quizzing whether the arrival of dope tainted speedster Shoaib Akhtar will have any bearing on the side, Malik said, ''Akhtar is a proven match-winner and his return to the side will strengthen our bowling attack.'' The all-rounder also rubbished media reports over the alleged tiff in the team after the elevation of Salman Butt to vice-captaincy.

''There has been a lot of talk in the media about differences in the team but there is no credibility to it. I have the full backing of the seniors and there are no problems,'' Malik said.

UNI