Wasim Akram backs Mohammad Yousuf's ODI squad inclusion

27/08/2010

Wasim Akram has claimed the Pakistan selectors made the right call in giving Mohammad Yousuf a chance to play in front of fans with ODI tickets against England.

Veteran middle-order batsman Yousuf was handed a recall to the Test squad for the tourists' recent victory over Andrew Strauss's men at the Brit Insurance Oval.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has also opted to include him in the squad for the forthcoming five-match ODI series, which kicks off on September 10th 2010.

Ex-Pakistan captain Akram has praised the decision, claiming that Yousuf - who turned 36 today (August 27th) - can have a major impact in front of fans with ODI tickets.

"His presence may not be that important in T20s, but in ODIs he is certainly a big player," the former great wrote in his column for the Daily Times.

Akram's comments appear to be backed up by Yousuf's statistics. In 282 50-over matches for his country, the batsman has struck 12,805 runs at an average of 42.39.

Posted by Sam Smith