Pakistan select their 15

Pakistan have selected their 15 for the upcoming first test. Abdul Razzaq has been retained despite uncertain feelings about his recovery from typhoid. Imran Farhat has been brought back into the squad after his strong performance against India and in the recent domestic season. The only beef I have with the squad is the selection of Mohammad Sami at the expense of Umar Gul. I agree with the bringing in of Mohammad Asif as he has made a strong case for selection, but so has Umar Gul and Mohammad Sami has not (see my last post).

Out of this 15, the starting XI should be:

Salman Butt, Imran Farhat, Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Asif, Danish Kaneria

Reserves: Arshad Khan (its getting harder and harder to find room for him in this squad, but his experience is surely an asset), Mohammad Sami (its time he was dropped after his subpar performances over the past year, and Asif definitely needs a go), Abdul Razzaq (doubts still remain about his fitness, and his abilities as a strike bowler are under doubt as well), Shoaib Malik (I love this guy, but in this squad, his only position is as an opener, and Imran Farhat deserves a chance here).