Saeed Anwar for Australia series

Pakistan included opening batsman Saeed Anwar in their squad on Friday for the one-day series against Australia next month.

Saeed, 33, was picked in the 14-man tour party despite not having played any international or domestic cricket since last November, mainly because of a wrist injury.

"Saeed has been retained because his experience will be invaluable in Australian conditions," Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Khalid Butt said.

The left-hander, who has scored 8,348 runs in 230 one-day internationals, was recalled for the aborted second and final Test against New Zealand in Karachi earlier this month.

The match was scrapped and New Zealand fled Pakistan after a suicide bombing across the road from the hotel where the two teams were staying.

Saeed injured his wrist on his last appearance for Pakistan in Sharjah in November.

The 1999 World Cup finalists play two indoor one-day internationals on June 12 and 15, and then a day match in Brisbane on June 19.

Interest in the series has peaked due to the presence of the world's fastest bowlers -- Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee.

SPEED BARRIER

Unofficial timings showed Akhtar broke the 100-mph speed barrier against New Zealand in the recent one-day series. Lee has said he wants to do the same against Pakistan.

The rest of the Pakistan squad contained no surprises with all-rounder Azhar Mahmood replacing Abdur Razzak, who along with off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is unavailable for the series because of county commitments in England.

Azhar, who enjoyed a short but successful stint with Surrey earlier this season, played for Pakistan in last year's Natwest series in England, but since then has been unable to gain a place in the team.

Young batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, opener Imran Nazir and all-rounder Shoaib Malik will all be making their first tours to Australia.

Chief selector Wasim Bari said he was satisfied with the squad and believed they were capable of giving Australia a good series.

"Pakistan has always been a good side and they are playing very well at the moment, like a true unit. I think we will give Australia a fight for their money," said Bari.

The players will attend a short training camp, starting on May 29, before leaving for Australia.

The Pakistan squad: Saeed Anwar, Imran Nazir, Shahid Afridi, Yousuf Youhana, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif, Azhar Mahmood, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis (captain), Shoaib Akhtar, Muhammad Sami and Shoaib Malik.

Mail Cricket Editor