Pakistan still holds special place in Arthur's heart

Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur says ongoing opponent Pakistan holds a special place in his heart and he's happy to be back in the country where he coached for three years.

The Pakistan Cricket Board removed Arthur as national coach after the Cricket World Cup in England in midyear, and gave former captain Misbah-ul-Haq three responsibilities -- head coach, chief selector, and batting coach.

"I was so happy that I could be back at the ground to witness Pakistan's first game at home in 10 years, Arthur said on Tuesday.

"That was very, very special to me because Pakistan holds a really special place in my heart and it's great that boys have been outstanding.

"I've been in contact with the lot of them (players). We always talk, we always have some banters.

"The three years I had with Pakistan were incredible years, I loved every minute. But now I'm in a different dressing room and we are here to win a Test match in Karachi."
"Look, it was a day two wicket so there was nothing in it, but they probably scored a little bit quick, we just need to control the rate just a little bit more."