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Version 0 Version 1
Asif returns to Pakistan colours Asif returns to Pakistan colours
(1 day later)
Controversial paceman Mohammad Asif has been included in a 17-man squad to play three Test matches on their tour of South Africa starting in January.Controversial paceman Mohammad Asif has been included in a 17-man squad to play three Test matches on their tour of South Africa starting in January.
Asif was banned for a year on 1 November after testing positive for banned nandrolone but won an appeal a month later and was free to play.Asif was banned for a year on 1 November after testing positive for banned nandrolone but won an appeal a month later and was free to play.
Shoaib Akhtar, banned for two years before also winning an appeal, has been left out of the squad as he is unfit.Shoaib Akhtar, banned for two years before also winning an appeal, has been left out of the squad as he is unfit.
And there is no room for Shabbir Ahmed, who is available after a one-year ban.And there is no room for Shabbir Ahmed, who is available after a one-year ban.
Shabbir's suspension was not drugs related. A fast bowler with a good Test record, he has had an illegal bowling action corrected.Shabbir's suspension was not drugs related. A fast bowler with a good Test record, he has had an illegal bowling action corrected.
But Mohammad Sami and Shahid Nazir, with more modest Test averages and strike rates, retain their squad spots.But Mohammad Sami and Shahid Nazir, with more modest Test averages and strike rates, retain their squad spots.
Asif has taken 30 wickets in his last five Tests but has not faced South Africa before.Asif has taken 30 wickets in his last five Tests but has not faced South Africa before.
The squad, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, has nine batsmen, two wicket-keepers, five fast bowlers and one spinner.The squad, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, has nine batsmen, two wicket-keepers, five fast bowlers and one spinner.
Pakistan play three Tests from 11 January. Five one-day internationals follow and an adjusted squad for that series will be announced in due course. "It was a shame Shoaib [Akhtar] couldn't make it. But he hasn't played any cricket for three months and even before that he only played a few one-day matches in England, when he had waited about nine months to play cricket after injuries," Inzamam commented.
"He will get his chance now to play some first-class cricket in Pakistan and hopefully he will prove himself and be ready to join us for the one-day series.
"Mohammed Asif has been bowling really well. I'm pleased to have him back with us."
Pakistan play three Tests in South Africa from 11 January. They will be followed by five one-day internationals follow and an adjusted squad for that series will be announced in due course.
Pakistan's Test squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Faisal Iqbal, Asim Kamal, Kamran Akmal, Zulqarnain Haider, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Asif, Danish Kaneria, Shahid Nazir, Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami.Pakistan's Test squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Faisal Iqbal, Asim Kamal, Kamran Akmal, Zulqarnain Haider, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Asif, Danish Kaneria, Shahid Nazir, Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami.