Craig Kieswetter has thrown down the gauntlet to Pakistan, saying there is no reason England cannot win the one-day (ODI) series starting next week.
England were routed 3-0 in the three-Test series by Pakistan and now face another big challenge in the four-match one-day international series and three Twenty20 matches against a side on a roll.
They play a practice game against England Lions in Abu Dhabi on Friday before the first one-day game against Pakistan at the same venue on Monday.
Kieswetter, who joined the ODI squad after a successful tour of Sri Lanka with the Lions, said he was looking forward to the challenge. "England have a fantastic one-day side with a lot of good players in it. There's no reason they can't go on and win this series ahead," said the 24-year-old wicketkeeper batsman, who was also included in the Twenty20 squad.
Kieswetter said the youngsters included in the limited-over squad were excited about the chance of playing.
"All the lads are really looking forward to it. It's a great opportunity to showcase our talents and put on a good show for everyone watching," he said.
"We worked really hard over there. It was a long tour, a tough tour and to beat Sri Lanka was a fantastic achievement. All the lads are full of confidence."
And he termed playing in Sri Lanka a learning experience.
"Definitely, it's an opportunity to progress our cricket and to play in the subcontinent is always beneficial. The learning experience was fantastic," said Kieswetter, who watched England's Test series along with other Lions players.
"All the guys are huge England fans. It's obviously not nice to see them lose," said Kieswetter.
Meanwhile, Chris Tremlett has had back surgery to address the problem which forced the fast bowler out of the ongoing series against Pakistan.
