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Pakistan add Shoaib Malik to squad for first Test against England

Shoaib Malik could be back in Pakistan's Test team against England
Image: Shoaib Malik could be back in Pakistan's Test team against England

Pakistan have added veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik to their squad for next week's first Test against England.

Shoaib, who played the last of his 32 Tests more than five years ago against England at Edgbaston, has been drafted into the squad at the request of team manager Intikhab Alam following discussions with coach Waqar Younis.

Alam said the request to include 33-year-old Shoaib as a 16th member of the Test squad was made due to his form in T20Is and ODIs.

Shoaib made 34 not out and took 1-4 in Pakistan's seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Harare on Monday which clinched a 2-1 series success.

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He also scored an unbeaten 96 in the previous game and 31 in the opening game of the series in which he also had bowling figures of 3-30.

Chief selector Haroon Rashid added: "Following Intikhab Alam's request, I spoke with my fellow selectors and there was unanimity over retaining [Shoaib], keeping in mind his current batting form and the off-spin bowling option that could be handy in the all-important forthcoming Test series against England."

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The three-Test series against England starts in Abu Dhabi next Tuesday, live on Sky Sports 2HD from 6.30am.

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