Misbah to lead Pakistan in Test series

KARACHI, Oct. 8 (APP): Struggling batsman Misbah-ul-Haq has returned to lead Pakistan in the upcoming 2-Test match series against South Afriqa is being played in November in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Stunning decision of Misbah’s appointment was made by Pakistan Cricket Board and after approval by Chairman Ijaz Butt. Shahid Afridi has been retained as captain for ODI and T20 series starting in Abu Dhabi with opening T20 on October 26.
Former Pakistan Vice Captain Kamran Akmal was axed from the team in favor of Zulqarnain Haider, who made a superb debut in the Oval, London in August.
Left handed opener Taufeeq Umer after being in doldrums for over two years has been recalled in the team alongwith leg-spinner Danish Kaneria , fast bowler Muhammad Sami and left arm spinner Abdur Rehman for the Test series.
All-rounder Sohail Tanvir has also been included in the 16-member squad subject to fitness.

“Inclusion of Misbah and his appointment as Captain is very surprising as he had been struggling with the bat,” former Pakistan chief selector Iqbal Qasim commented.
Pakistan Test squad is:
Imran Farhan, Taufeeq Umar, Asad Shafiq, Muhammad Yousaf. Misbah ul Haq (Captain), Umar Akmal, Azhar Ali, Saeed Ajmal, Danish Kaneria, Abdur Rehman, Zulquarnain Haider, Umar Gul, Tanvir Ahmed, Muhammad Sami, Wahab Riaz and Sohail Tanvir.