Pakistan will play three Tests, four One-Day Internationals (ODI) and three Twenty20s on the tour.
Mohammad Ilyas, acting chief selector while Mohsin Khan performs the role of head coach, said every slot will have the best available players for the series that has been dubbed as Pakistan’s real test.
“We’ll make the selection after the second Test against Bangladesh,” Illyas told The Express Tribune. “The performance of the players will be thoroughly assessed and we want to see their show in the final match against Bangladesh.”
However, the chief selector felt that the committee will not be faced with too many issues when it came to finalising the squad.
“The team is performing very well which makes our task comparatively easier. They are playing like a unit, which is very good for our chances in the forthcoming series. The selection committee will make calculated decisions to ensure the impressive run of the team.”
Malik’s spot under the radar
Meanwhile, an official close to the selection committee said the inclusion of former captain Shoaib Malik will be the key discussion in the meeting.
The all-rounder, who made him comeback on the tour of Zimbabwe, is yet to impress the followers.
“There’s divided opinion over Malik, both in the selection committee and the team management,” said the official.
“Some support his inclusion and feel that the team needs his vast experience and he deserves a chance to return to form. But there are others who don’t want to take a risk in an important series.
“But any decision will be taken with the mutual consent of both parties including the captain.”
Junaid likely to return
The official added that left-arm pacer Junaid Khan, who missed the Bangladesh tour due to an abdominal injury, has recovered and was likely to be part of the squad against England.
He said the inclusion of Imran Nazir, who recently met the PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf, could not be ruled out for the Twenty20 matches but the there were less chances of fast-bowler Wahab Riaz making a return.
The left-arm fast-bowler has been left out of the team since being named during the spot-fixing trial against Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.
The series between the two teams will kick off with the first Test on January 17.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2011.
COMMENTS (10)
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@trtk: seiries will not be played in england.
Hello...? When was the last time Imran Nazir performed in domestic cricket? There's no.place for him. Malik needs to go along with Farhat. Bring back Ahmad Shahzad and Yasir Arafat if fit.
@trtk: If you're referring to his U19 world cup heroics, then you're utterly wrong. That tournament did not take place in UK, it was held in Bangladesh!
For those calling for "Anwar Ali" to be included, remember this, If you're someone who has not bowled ever or don't even know what a cricket ball is, even you can swing the ball in England! what matters most is what is Anwar Ali's performance in Pakistan's domestic system!
plz. bring mohammad yousuf back against England
they should bring bk imran nazir we hav top players sat out side that can beat any team 4u
The chief selector is crooked. Wont change the team much because second person that needs to be dropped after shoab malik is imran farhat. He will neva drop pakistan's permanent liability "farhat".