No move to recall Younus or Yousuf

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ruled out the selection of Younus Khan and Mohammed Yousuf ahead of the first Test against England, starting at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Pakistan, who drew the two-Test series against Australia last week, were thought to be toying with the idea of selecting Younus and Yousuf, their most experienced batsmen, for the upcoming Tests. But Salman Butt, who led his team for the first time in the five-day game against Australia, is said to be keen on a young side with little baggage of past controversies associated with the feuding former captains.

"The tide has turned because captain Salman Butt, coach Waqar Younis, manager Yawar Saeed and other coaching staff were more in favour of persisting with the young players and don't want Yousuf or Younus back," The Daily Times quoted a PCB source, as saying. "The team management believes that it is better to groom the new players instead of recalling the former captains. The feeling is that they are past their best for Pakistan."

The official also said that there has been no move to prepare travel documents for either Yousuf or Younus. "This is an indication that it is unlikely these two will be sent to England to join the team immediately," he said. * Agencies