In-form Malik back in Pakistan Test squad

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has been recalled to face England in the upcoming Test series in the United Arab Emirates, officials said Tuesday, five years after his last match in the longest format.

The 33-year-old middle order batsman´s excellent limited-overs form saw him added as the 16th member of Pakistan´s Test squad for the three-match series against England starting on October 13.

Chief selector Haroon Rasheed said the team management had requested that Malik, who also bowls off-spin, be included.

"Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam had made the request, saying that he and head coach Waqar Younis were of the same view over retaining Malik given his present form in T20s and the one-day matches," said Rasheed.

"We decided to retain Malik keeping in mind his current batting form and the off-spin bowling option that could be handy in the all-important Test series against England," said Rasheed.

Since his recall to limited-overs cricket in May this year, Malik has scored 500 runs at an average of 100.00 per innings in 11 one-day matches.

He made 31, 96 not out and 34 not out in the three-match series against Zimbabwe which Pakistan won 2-1 on Monday.

Malik played the last of his 32 Tests against England at Birmingham in 2010.