Veteran batsman Younis Khan’s wish to return to Pakistan’s One-day International (ODIs) side has been fulfilled after he was named in the 16-man squad which will take on England in the upcoming four-match series that starts in Abu Dhabi on November 11.
The 37-year-old put pressure on selectors with a weight of runs in this Test series that couldn’t be ignored as he bids to play on for at least another two years.
Selectors and head coach Waqar Younis were divided on the selection of Younis, chief selector Haroon Rasheed having to travel to Dubai to sort out the differences.
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Waqar was of the thinking that Younis’ selection would hinder the progress of Pakistan’s youngsters.
However, it is understood that the selection committee and ODI skipper Azhar Ali were on the same page regarding Younis, feeling that he will be an asset against England’s bowling attack.
“Keeping in view his current form, Younis Khan has been included in the squad to land stability to the middle order batting,” said Haroon.
“Now it is up to Younis to prove that he could meet the demands of the modern-day one-day cricket and play according to the team management’s game plan.”
Meanwhile, middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood has been dropped after failing to impress on the tour of Zimbabwe despite being given a consistent run.
Asad Shafiq also misses out bespite a good Test series against England.
New batsman Asad Shafiq is averaging 68.75 this series, more than any other Pakistani player #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/9UNNtdHwS6
— betway (@betway) November 1, 2015
All-rounder Anwar Ali returns to the side after overcoming a hamstring injury while the selectors have also recalled Babar Aza.
There was better news for left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar, who has received a first call-up to the ODI squad.
“Zafar Gohar has been included in place of injured Imad Wasim, who is expected to be fit before the T20I series,” he added.
ODI squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Anwar Ali, Amir Yamin, Yasir Shah, Zafar Gohar, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Bilal Asif.
