By IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will give up the idea of recalling former captain Mohammad Yousuf for the Test series against England starting later this month if the team went on to win the second Test against Australia at Leeds Saturday.
With seven wickets in hand, Pakistan just need 40 more runs to record a memorable Test victory against Australia. If Pakistan goes on to win the Test and level the two-Test series 1-1, then the PCB will continue showing faith in youngsters instead of bringing back Yousuf.
“Yousuf could only make a return for the series against England if Pakistan go on to lose the second Test and the series to Australia. A victory, however, will see end to an era of those ageing players who have kept their places in the team for more than one reason,” a report in The News said Saturday.
Yousuf, who announced his retirement from Test cricket with much hype during a press-conference in Karachi a couple of months back, has again expressed his desire to return to international cricket. His decision, influenced by many reasons, even compelled the PCB top brass to ponder on giving him yet another chance.
“It has been learnt that some of the PCB officials, including chairman Ijaz Butt, may favour his return to the national team if Pakistan fail to perform well in the Leeds Test,” the report said quoting sources.
However, the team management and coaches are not in favour of recalling any of the older players, as they feel that youngsters may get discouraged.
“Yousuf’s return means that one of the youngsters – Azhar Ali or Umar Amin – will have to sit out. That would be cruel on them, as they have played well so far. Though none of them has so far succeeded in playing big innings, their technique and commitment are of high quality. I think the day is not far away when the two will be seen holding the middle-order positions permanently,” a Pakistan team official was quoted as saying by the report.
The official said the youngsters should be given more opportunities as they have the potential to serve the country in future.
He was of the opinion that Yousuf is unlikely to play any major role in the team’s batting as he has not played international cricket in recent times.