Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik believes Sri Lanka will provide difficult opposition for his side during their tour next month.

The Pakistan Cricket Board have invited Sri Lanka for three Tests and an equal number of one-day internationals in a series starting in January, filling the gap in the calendar created by India's cancellation of their scheduled tour, a fall-out of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

The PCB will finalise the dates for the series against Sri Lanka this week.

Pakistan have lost 1-0 to both South Africa and India in their only Test series in 20 months since Malik took over as captain.

"Disappointed with India not coming over"

While disappointed by the cancellation of the Indian tour, Malik feels that the Sri Lankans would provide an equally good series.

"We are disappointed with India's decision not to tour Pakistan," Malik said.

"India have been doing well so it would have been a good series, but Sri Lanka is also a good team.

"We have to do a lot of hard work since we have been out of international cricket for so long.

"We are ready for the Lankans"

"Sri Lanka have been doing well at the international level.

"They will be tough opponents, but we will be ready for them."

Malik is especially wary of the threat posed by spinner Ajantha Mendis, who is Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker this year and was instrumental in their 2-1 win over India in a three-match Test series earlier this year.

"Sri Lanka have two quality spinners in Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis," Malik said.

"We can tackle Murali"

"We have played Murali on numerous occasions in the past, but Mendis would prove a handful.

"We have to master him."

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has banked his hopes on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has not played a Test or a one-day match for Pakistan this year due to suspension and injury. Although he is available for selection, Shoaib is still fighting to overturn an 18-month ban imposed by the PCB for disciplinary reasons.

He was picked for a three-match one-day series against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi, but did not play a match due to a calf injury.

"Shoaib will be our key man," Alam said.

"He is back and is now full of confidence.

"I see him as a completely changed man and he will be an asset for the team."

Sri Lanka won't come cheap