Faisal and Ayub determined to deliver their best in Sri Lanka

Karachi, May 15 (ANI): Pakistan middle-order batsman Faisal Iqbal, who is set to make his third comeback to the Pakistan team in Sri Lanka next month, is eager to cement his place in the Test side permanently this time.

Iqbal has played 26 Tests across the past decade, the last of which was in January 2010.

"In the past I have been playing mainly as a replacement player in the national team, which is why I wasn't able to cement a permanent place. But now I think I can make I," the Daily Times quoted Iqbal, as saying.

"The last two years have been tough but I kept my fingers crossed and was optimistic, believing that Pakistan's doors are never shut on any active player," Iqbal said.

"I kept my fitness levels high, never experimented with my position and scored all the runs as a specialist middle-order batsman," he added.

Meanwhile Mohammad Ayub, who is set to debut on the same tour, is wary of the 'tight competition' in Pakistan's middle order.

Ayub, 32, has been close to national selection for several years, having been among the top performers on the domestic circuit and having scored heavily since 2009.

"My performance was satisfactory for the last few years but being selected for national side wasn't in my control," Ayub said.

"Though my call-up to the national squad is a bit late, I think the chance being offered to me is fair enough and I am happy. My cricket has matured, the key to my success is the experience I have got from playing an ample amount of first-class cricket," he added.

"Expectations are high and the competition is tight, but have faced a similar situation for many years. I have worked very hard and I deserved this chance, and I will live up to the expectations." (ANI)