Pakistani Selectors want to include more

Pakistani selectors are in a dilemma ahead of tomorrow’s final one-dayer against Zimbabwe as they want to blood a few more youngsters in the dead rubber but are also keen that the hosts complete a whitewash in front of an audience that will include President Pervez Musharraf. Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed told ‘The News’ on Thursday that the selection committee is looking forward to fielding a couple of more rookies in last one-dayer here at the National Stadium. “We’ve been trying out youngsters in the current series after having done that against Zimbabwe (earlier this year),” said the former Test cricketer. “Our team is already 4-0 up in the series and it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce some fresh faces and check out their skills and temperament,” he pointed. Bangladesh may not be a very strong side but a whitewash against them will come as a morale-booster for our team which is facing a couple of important assignments later this year,” he said. Pakistan are to host the Asia Cup this summer followed by their biggest assignment of the year — the ICC Champions Trophy — which is also scheduled to be held here in September. Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan is back after missing the previous two games. He was included in the squad for the final one-dayer after the Karachi-based batsman informed the selectors about his availability. Younis is all set to play tomorrow while prolific Karachi batsman Naumanullah is likely to make his One-Day International debut in front of his home crowd. The selectors have dropped fast bowler Sohail Khan and are expected to introduce 22-year-old Lahore pacer Wahab Riaz in the attack. Young wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed is also in line to stretch his nascent international career, coming in place of the in-form Kamran Akmal.

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