No need for Younus to prove fitness: chief selector

KARACHI: Unlike former team-mates Shoaib Malik and Shoaib Akhtar, former captain Younus Khan will not have to pass a fitness test and the seasoned batsman only requires an approval from Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt for his selection in the England-bound squad.

Chief selector Mohsin Khan told The Express Tribune that the selection committee will not seek Younus’ fitness report before selecting the team for the three-month long tour of England.

“Younus is already playing county cricket so he doesn’t require a fitness test,” said Mohsin. “We’re satisfied with his fitness and he only needs an approval from the chairman.”

Younus has not played international cricket after the tour of Australia that ended early February and is currently representing Surrey in the English domestic season. Mohsin added that Younus’ presence and experience would be a huge boost for Pakistan on a tough tour.

“Younus is a fit player, his vast experience will be a huge addition to the team and we have no issues with his inclusion.”

‘Blend of youth and experience’

The chief selector made a u-turn on his earlier stance by insisting that he would like a blend of young and senior players for the tour where Pakistan will play six Tests, five One-Day Internationals and four Twenty20 internationals against the hosts and Australia.

“I’d like youngsters in the team but in conjunction with the seniors,” he said, hinting that the young trio of Amin Shafiq, Umer Amin and Shahzaib Hasan may be included after considering their performance in Sri Lanka.

Gul not a certain for England tour

Mohsin also refused to confirm Umar Gul’s inclusion for the tour despite the fast-bowler ruling himself fit following injury that kept him out of the 2010 World Twenty20 and the Asia Cup.

“Although Gul is 100 per cent fit, I’ll keep an eye on him until the last moment before naming him for the England tour.”

Published in the Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2010.