Pakistan test squad for South African tour

The 17 member test squad for the South African tour has been announced. The only real surprise being Shoaib Akhtar's exclusion. No other stand out selections. Salman Butt is still out, though he was included the 25 probables.

Keeping
Zulqarnain Haider has been included. If Akmal fails, perhaps Haider could get a game. Akmal was not impressive with the gloves this year, so I am definitely in favor of this move. .

From PCB.com.pk...

1. Imran Farhat
2. Mohammad Hafeez
3. Younis Khan (Vice Captain)
4. Mohammad Yousuf
5. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Captain)
6. Faisal Iqbal
7. Kamran Akmal (Wicketkeeper)
8. Danish Kaneria
9. Umar Gul
10. Mohammad Sami
11. Mohammad Asif
12. Shahid Nazir
13. Yasir Hameed
14. Asim Kamal
15. Naved-ul-Hasan
16. Shoaib Malik
17. Zulqarnain Haider (Wicketkeeper)

If Shoaib Akhtar would have been included, it would probably have been in Sami's place. All in all, I think its a great squad. The weak links are the openers, and the keeper. The number 6 spot will most probably go to Asmi Kamal or Faisal Iqbal, though depending on the pitch and the bowlers performance, Shoaib Malik might play in the 2nd test.

Pacemen
So which 3 bowlers would you play from Rana, Asif, Gul and Nazir? Interesting right? Gul and Asif are definitely going to play. The choice is between Nazir and Rana. To be honest, either one would work, though I would go for Nazir based on the past 12 months.

Openers
The selectors have decided to go for a bit of consistency with the opening slot. Farhat and Hafeez will most probably be opening again. Though I don't want Farhat to play. I'd like to see Yasir Hameed and Mohd. Hafeez open the batting.

Number 6
I would play Asim Kamal over Faisal in the first test. If our bowlers get 20 wickets, then I would stick with a batsman for that position. And if the bowlers need an extra hand (Hafeez can bowl too), I would probably select Shoaib Malik, though only if need be.