Pak must play to potential in England ODI series: Yasir Arafat

Ahead of the ODI series against England, Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has called on his side to head into the upcoming matches with the same mentality and passion as they had displayed in the absorbing two-all drawn Test series against the Alastair Cook-led side.

Earlier, Pakistan surged to the top of the world rankings in Test cricket despite not having played match on home soil since 2009.The elevation came after the wet ground at the Queen Park Oval, Port of Spain, denied India the opportunity to defend the top spot which it had reclaimed from Australia a week before.

Reflecting on the same, the 34-year-old said the Test team success was built around a total team effort, adding that is what is lacking for Pakistan in the limited overs format.

Arafat believes Pakistan really needs to up their game and each player has to play according to the team's plan to turn the things around for themselves in the ODIs.

Arafat, however, said that it was important for the senior players to stand up and be counted in the upcoming series, Pakpassion.net reported.

While issuing a warning to 'formidable' England ODI team, the right-hand batsman said that Pakistan could mount a really strong challenge to them if they play to their potential.

The two sides will play five-match ODI series starting from Wednesday in Southampton.