Pakistan to stick with youngsters for future series

Virtually ruling out Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan's return to the side for the series against England, PCB chairman Ejaz has said that Pakistan will continue to test youngsters in future matches to build a strong team for next year's World Cup.

Butt's statement comes on the heels of a young Pakistani side's series-levelling Test win over Australia in 15 years in Headingley, England.

Butt told News One television channel on Sunday that the victory over Australia at Headingley has given the PCB confidence to repose faith in young blood.

"Look these youngsters have justified their selection and performed well against the best team under pressure," he said.

"The performance of young players has given us the confidence to try out more young players in the future to build a strong combination before the World Cup next year," he said.

"I believe this historic win (over Australia) will not only give confidence to the players but to the whole nation. I am pretty optimistic that the team would carry this confidence in the series against England," the PCB chief added.

Young batsmen, Umar Amin and Azhar Ali made their debut for Pakistan in the series against Australia.

Butt's comment lent credence to sources that the tour selection committee in England that included captain, coach and manager were not keen on recalling Yousuf and Younis.

After Pakistan were humbled by Australia in the first Test at Lords, pressure grew on the board and the selectors to call the two former captains back in the side to strengthen the team's batting line-up.

PCB chief selector, Mohsin Khan also made it clear that presently there were no plans to call the two senior players back in the team.

"As far as Yousuf is concerned he retired himself and if he wants to play, then the PCB has to take a decision on him," Mohsin said.

"The board has to give clearance to us to consider and as Yousuf and Younis for selection," he said.

The former Test opener said he was a strong believer of promoting youngsters.

"The selectors believe in investing in younger players because if they come through it means they will play for many more years. That solves lot of selection problems," Mohsin stated.

Newly-appointed Pakistan Test captain, Salman Butt also made it clear that so far there were no talks of calling up reinforcements for the Test series against England.

"When I am asked for my opinion we will see how to go about it," he said from London.