Mushtaq Ahmed in line for Pakistan recall
by AFP


Ground:Old Trafford, Manchester
Player:Mushtaq Ahmed
Event:Pakistan in British Isles 2006

DateLine: 18th July 2006

 

Veteran spinner Mushtaq Ahmed could be in line for a shock recall to Pakistan's injury-hit squad for the second Test against England at Old Trafford next week.

 

The 36-year-old hasn't played for Pakistan for three years but is the leading wicket-taker in county cricket this year, with 53 for Sussex.

 

"We are talking about it but we haven't made a decision yet," team manager Zaheer Abbas told the BBC.

 

Chief selector Wasim Bari, speaking from Islamabad, confirmed that Mushtaq was an option being considered.

 

"We have to take 20 English wickets in dry conditions and whosoever is in form, including Mushtaq Ahmed, can be considered," Bari told AFP.

 

"So far we have received no SOS from the team management in England, but if they ask us we can consider their request."

 

Pakistan, who batted out a draw in the opening Test at Lord's on Monday, are already without pacemen Shoaib Akhtar, Naved-ul-Hasan and Mohammad Asif.

 

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria bowled 82 overs at Lord's taking six wickets. He was supported by Shahid Afridi, who took two wickets.

 

Mushtaq played 52 Tests between 1990 and 2003, taking 185 wickets.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)