Pakistan have responded to their 354-run defeat against England at Trent Bridge by recalling Mohammad Yousuf. The batsman who averages over 50 in test match cricket will add some much needed depth to the Pakistan batting line up.
Yousuf was handed an indefinite ban by the PCB after the disastrous tour of Australia during which the side fell apart. However, his experience will be invaluable to a Pakistan side that struggled to cope with England’s seam attack.
Mohshin Khan, the chief selector gave his reasons for Yousuf’s selection. “We got a request from the tour management for Mohammad Yousuf and I then discussed it with our selectors and we have okayed it,” Khan told Cricinfo.
“As far as I am aware Yousuf has been training and is fit. He has played in local club tournaments as well.”
Yousuf will add stability to the Pakistan middle order that crumbled under England’s fast bowling unit. Alongside the introduction of a specialist batsman, Pakistan have also responded to the defeat by dropping spin bowler Danish Kaneria.
Kaneria struggled at Trent Bridge, finishing with match figures of 1 for 171 and will most likely be replaced by Raza Hasan. Pakistan will be hoping for an immediate response with the second test starting on Friday at Edgbaston.
