Thaindian News

Karachi, Aug.5 (ANI): The overall shoddy performance by the batsmen, particularly their meek surrender in the first Test against England, has the Pakistani team management contemplating changes in the squad for the upcoming five match one-day tournament against Andrew Strauss’ men.

Sources in the team management revealed that following the failure of young batsmen like Umar Amin and Azhar Ali, who failed to score big runs both against Australia and England, they may be axed from the squad and would not feature in the ODI series starting September 10 at Chester-le-Street.

Insiders said that former captain Mohammed Yousuf, who has been included in the Test squad, is also likely to be named in the ODI team to bolster the fragile batting line-up.

“Having tried a few youngsters, Pakistan’s think-tank is convinced that there is a need for a seasoned batsman like Yousuf even in the one-day squad,” The News quoted sources, as saying.

“Currently Pakistan don’t have many batsmen capable of batting for 50 overs which is why Yousuf is set to play in the one-day series too,” they added.

The former captain, who had retired from international cricket, was initially overlooked for the England tour, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to recall him after the squad’s heavy 354-run defeat in the first Test. The Pakistani batting order fell apart for just 80 runs in the second innings of the match.

Even Shahid Afridi, the one-day and T20 captain, is believed to have suggested to the PCB to include Yousuf in the team for the forthcoming limited over series.

Players like Fawad Alam and Asad Shafiq, who made his debut against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in June, are also likely to be included in the team. (ANI)