Pakistan recall Fawad Alam in Test squad

Sialkot’s offspinner Bilal Asif and allrounder Aamer Yamin were rewarded for their impressive performances in the National T20 championship.

Another senior member, spinner Saeed Ajmal, was also overlooked after failing to impress since returning earlier with a remodelled action from a ban.

The duo were instrumental in Pakistan’s 2-0 win over Australia last year and 2-1 triumph in Sri Lanka this year.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe squad include Elton Chigumbura (captain), Sikandar Raza, Chamu Chibhabha, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Hamilton Masakadza, Chris Mpofu, Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Taurai Muzarabani, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Prosper Utseya, Malcolm Waller and Sean Williams. Alam, 29, who scored 168 on debut against Sri Lanka, last represented Pakistan in a Test in 2009, against New Zealand in Dunedin.

According to media reports, Misbah-ul-Haq (Test), Azhar Ali (ODI) and Shahid Afridi (T20I) were named as captains.

Nottinghamshire batsman Alex Hales and Surrey spinner Zafar Ansari have been included in the Test squad for the first time while James Taylor has also won a recall three years after his solitary cap.

The PCB clarified that fast bowler Ali has been rested for the T20Is against Zimbabwe due to a groin strain but that he will link up with the touring squad for the ODI series after going through rehab at the National Cricket Academy.

“We have picked two left-arm spin bowlers for the two practice games against England and whoever performs well will be added to the test squad”, Rashid said.

Test squad for England series: Misbahul Haq (C), Ahmad Shahzad, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Muhammad Hafeez, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq, Younus Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Rahat Ali, Junaid Khan.