Woolmer questions Shoaib, talks up Shafiq

Sometimes I wonder what Woolmer is thinking.. Shoaib Akhtar is coming off injuries and then a so-so performance for the World XI against Australia, and if anything needs some encouragement and confidence boosting. Here Woolmer is not only asking him to play two first class matches, but asking him to prove himself? If he's good enough to play for the World XI, you'd think he'd be good enough to start ahead of Sami, Gul, Shabbir, and the other no-names?

Mohammad Shafiq, Pakistan's Pop-Bowler, has also been called in for a try out. Interesting to see how he will turn out against the full Pakistani squad.

I must say, I am happy to see Hasan Raza being given a shot here. He is someone who is talented enough to see a bit of a run for the national team, but given the number of good candidates, its going to be hard to sort out who will or won't play.