Younis Khan "Rested" For Australia Series

Veteran Pakistan batsman Younis Khan has been overlooked for the 16-man squad which will take on Australia in three One Day internationals in UAE later this month.

The seasoned 34-year-old struggled with the bat in the recent five-game series against Sri Lanka, managing only 10 runs in four innings and has been left out. Bowler Umar Gul has also been overlooked, although selectors have claimed the pair are being “rested”.

Chief selector Iqbal Qasim said: “If you look at the last series against Sri Lanka, both Younis and Gul were struggling with form so we have rested them for the two tough series ahead, the first against India in December and then against South Africa early next year.

On Younis’ career, he added: “By no means (is it) over, he can stage a comeback after rest.”

Meanwhile, Australia batsman Shane Watson admitted earlier this week his side has a “massive” job following their dismal recent 4-0 ODI series loss to England.

“Obviously we’re very disappointed about the result in England in the one-day series,” Watson said. “Now’s the time to really regroup and spend the time working on the deficiencies we’ve got as individuals and within the team. It’s a great time to get that coming together.”

The three-game ODI series begins on August 28 in Sharjah.

Squad: Misbahul Haq (c), Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanveer, Aizaz Cheema, Saeed Ajmal, Imran Farhat, Shoaib Malik, Abdur Rehman, Junaid Khan, Anwar Ali