Sports

UAE series: Shoaib Malik included in Test squad against England

Off-spinner Bilal Asif ignored over the veteran all-rounder who is displaying ultimate form in his comeback

Sports Desk October 06, 2015

PHOTO: AFP

Just a day after all-rounder Shoaib Malik bagged the man of the series award for his performance against Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series, he was included in the Test squad against England for the four-match series scheduled to held in the UAE starting from October 13, reported Express News.

Malik has made a comeback to the five-day squad after five years.

Pakistan cricket team chief selector Haroon Rasheed said the Malik's batting and bowling will help the team when they take on England on the spin-favouring UAE pitches.

Pakistan had announced a 15-men squad for the Tests against England and off-spinner Bilal Asif was added in the ODI squad against Zimbabwe to test his abilities but in a turn of events, Malik was included in the squad.

Earlier, on Test captain Misbahul Haq's suggestions Bilal was given a go in the ODIs against Zimbabwe and he was lethal with his spin bagging five wickets and the man of the match award in the decider.

However, Malik's batting form, where he scored unbeaten 96 in the second match against Zimbabwe, was enough to force the selectors to chose him over Bilal against an England side oozing with confidence after they had beaten Australia in the Ashes recently.

COMMENTS (2)

Asad Hasan | 9 years ago | Reply Though Malik is in excellent form, he should be played as a batsman only. He has also been called in the past over his bowling action; lets not give any cause to umpires again, otherwise Shoaib's confidence will be shaken. Is any one from BCP administration reading these comments?

khalid | 9 years ago | Reply This guy should have been included in the world cup team but poor selection and lack of support in the media kept him out from the team.

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