Pakistan's rookie legspinner Danish Kaneria has said he is not intimidated at the prospect of shaping up against Australia's legendary leggie Shane Warne in next month's Test series. "I know Warne is a world-class legspinner," said Kaneria, "but I will do my best to stand tall before him." Kaneria, accompanied by five other youngsters and new coach Richard Pybus, flew out to join Pakistan in Sri Lanka, where they face Australia in Colombo in the first of three Tests starting on Oct 3. The remaining Tests of the series, which was switched from Pakistan over security fears, will be played in Sharjah.

"I look forward to this battle, and hope it establishes me as a good spinner. There will be a lot to learn from the master spinner," said Kaneria, who has 33 wickets in eight Tests compared to Warne's 450 in 101 matches. Kaneria, whose idol is another former Pakistan legspinner, Abdul Qadir, has cashed in against Bangladesh, Test cricket's minnows. Of his 33 wickets, 26 have come in three Tests.

Kaneria, 21, who has been linked with Essex in the English County Championship, has been tipped to be Pakistan's secret weapon in the upcoming series – but he knows he still has a lot to learn. "I know I have just started my career and have a long way to go," he said, "but playing against Australia will be my toughest test."

Crisis-hit Pakistan have been forced to announce a young squad after several senior players withdrew. Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana, both experienced middle-order batsmen, dropped out with injuries, while former captain Wasim Akram is missing the series, apparently to concentrate on the World Cup. Saeed Anwar, the opener, has also dropped out, reportedly in protest against Australia's decision not to visit Pakistan.

With inexperienced performers like openers Imran Nazir, Taufiq Umer and Imran Farhat – who between them have won only 15 Test caps – Pakistan have worries in the batting department. But despite Wasim's absence the pace bowling is strong, with Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Zahid (subject to fitness) to back up Waqar Younis, the captain. And with Saqlain Mushtaq joining Kaneria, the spin seems to be in good hands too.

"Facing Australia with a young team is a tough task," said Pybus, who has returned for his third stint as Pakistan's coach. "But we will play some positive cricket."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd