"We lost the one-day series, but the way the players played in the last match was very heartening. Each day is a new day and all players are confident of doing well in the Test series. We have not lost a Test series here since 1979 and that also motivates us. I am always positive," Malik said.

He also refused to admit that India have an upperhand in the series with the hosts having an array of fine spinners. "Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and Murali Kartik are very good spinners. We have Danish Kaneria. But our main strength is fast bowling. These days, even on spinning tracks, fast bowlers do well," he said.

Malik also downplayed the absence of Rudra Pratap Singh and Yuvraj Singh. "I said ahead of the one-dayers that they would be crucial. Now they are not there. But they have Munaf and Zaheer. “Their spin attack is also good. They could have some problems, but all their bowlers are good. As for the absence of Yuvraj, other batsmen are also strong."

On the suspect fitness of paceman Shoaib Akhtar, Malik said, "I think he was in full rhythm in one-dayers. He was consistently bowling at 150 kph. Regarding his shortened run-ups, I told him to do so because of time constraints. I think if Pakistan has to win, he would have to play a vital role.

"I think Akthar's fitness level is very good. He has played in four matches, and he never gave the impression that he did not bowl fast or give his everything," he added.

Malik also hinted that they will persist with regular wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, despite his poor run in the one-dayers. "We will try to go with the experienced player."