Just a day after all-rounder Shoaib Malik bagged the man of the series award for his performance against Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series, he was included in the Test squad against England for the four-match series scheduled to held in the UAE starting from October 13.

Malik has made a comeback to the five-day squad after five years.

Pakistan cricket team chief selector Haroon Rasheed said the Malik’s batting and bowling will help the team when they take on England on the spin-favouring UAE pitches.

Pakistan had announced a 15-men squad for the Tests against England and off-spinner Bilal Asif was added in the ODI squad against Zimbabwe to test his abilities but in a turn of events, Malik was included in the squad.

Earlier, on Test captain Misbahul Haq’s suggestions Bilal was given a go in the ODIs against Zimbabwe and he was lethal with his spin bagging five wickets and the man of the match award in the decider.

However, Malik’s batting form, where he scored unbeaten 96 in the second match against Zimbabwe, was enough to force the selectors to choose him over Bilal against an England side oozing with confidence after they had beaten Australia in the Ashes recently.

Source : The Express Tribune