News

Inzamam returns while Shoaib keeps his place

Inzamam-ul-Haq returns to the Pakistan squad for the second Test against South Africa, while Shoaib Akhtar is retained

Wisden Cricinfo staff
21-Oct-2003
Pakistan today announced an 18-man squad for their second Test against South Africa, which starts at Faisalabad on Friday (Oct 24). Yousuf Youhana, who led Pakistan to an eight-wicket victory in the first Test, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, but Inzamam-ul-Haq has recovered from his own hamstring problem and returns as captain.
There was a recall for Abdul Razzaq, and a first call for Mansoor Amjad, a wrist-spinner, who is only 17 years old and yet to play a first-class match. He has represented Pakistan at junior level, including the Under-15 World Cup in England and the recent Emerging Teams Trophy.
Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar has been retained even though he has an ICC-imposed ban hanging over him after being found guilty of using abusive language against Paul Adams on the first day of the opening Test. There is also a slight doubt over his fitness after he limped from the field yesterday with a hamstring strain. Shoaib's appeal against his ban will be heard by Richie Benaud, the former Australian Test captain, and if it is successful he will be available for selection.
Squad
Taufeeq Umar, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Asim Kamal, Faisal Iqbal, Misbah-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Moin Khan (wk), Kamran Akmal (wk), Shoaib Malik, Mushtaq Ahmed, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Danish Kaneria, Mansoor Amjad, Shabbir Ahmed, Salman Butt.