Galle (Sri Lanka), July 4 As Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first in the first Test of the three match series here on Saturday, captain Younis Khan expressed the hope that he would like to start the series on a winning note.

Khan said his batsmen would have no problem countering 'mystery' bowler Ajantha Mendis.

"We have a lot of off spinners, left-arm spinners and leg spinners. The wickets are similar to Pakistan. Both teams know each other's weaknesses. Because of our nature we compete with each other very well," Khan said ahead of the first Test.

He said Pakistan is going into the Test with a positive frame of mind and would play three fast bowlers.

With Muttiah Muralitharan ruled out due to a leg injury, Khan said he would be missing Murali on the field.

"The last series I played against Murali, I pulled my hamstring stretching all the way trying to play him for two days. He is a fantastic bowler. Whenever Murali is under pressure, he talks to you," The News quoted Khan, as saying. (ANI)

Meanwhile, rookie pacer Mohammed Aamer provided Pakistan a flying start here as he grabbed two wickets to provide his team with an early advantage.

Aamer removed both openers, Warnapura and Kumara Sangakkara with his fast swinging deliveries.

Sri Lanka were 72 for 2 when reports last came in. (ANI)