Yousuf reputation 'on the line' Pakistan bring back Yousuf

Yousuf reputation 'on the line' Pakistan bring back Yousuf

Veteran batsman returns; Kaneria released from squad
Pakistan have reacted to their heavy first Test defeat against England by recalling veteran batsman Mohammad Yousuf just four months after he announced his international retirement.

The 35-year-old returns to the fray after the tourists were bowled out for 182 and 80 to lose inside four days at Trent Bridge.

Yousuf has endured a turbulent time of late, first captaining his country in their winless tour of Australia before being banned indefinitely following an investigation into the tour Down Under.

The right-handed batsman quit international cricket as a result, however he has been persuaded back as Pakistan look to bolster their batting.

Yousuf, who averages 53.07 and has 24 Test centuries to his name, will only be available for Friday's second Test at Edgbaston if his visa can be organised in time.

A statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board also confirmed that leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who returned match figures of 1-171 in Nottingham, has been told he can return to play county cricket for Essex.

Teenage left-arm slow bowler Raza Hasan has been called up to take Kaneria's place in the squad.

"Danish Kaneria is released from the national team and is now available to play for his county Essex. His services will be available for the national squad if required," the statement released in Lahore read.

"Mohammad Yousuf and Raza Hasan are added to the national squad with immediate effect."

Kaneria's return is a timely one for Essex as they bid to maintain their top-flight status in the LV=County Championship.

The county could also now call on the player for the Friends Provident t20 finals day at the Rose Bowl on August 14 - provided he isn't recalled by Pakistan before then.