Hafeez, Talha in Pakistan Test squad

Pakistan have recalled batsman Mohammad Hafeez for next month's Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan have recalled batsman Mohammad Hafeez for next month's three Tests against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates.

Hafeez has earned a return on the back of prolific run of form, including three centuries in the ongoing ODI series against the same opposition.

"There is no doubt that I was under pressure and there were suggestions that I bat lower down the order, but my captain and the team staff gave me the needed confidence and it helped me a lot," said Hafeez.

Seamer Umar Gul, who has recovered from a knee injury, and fast bowler Mohammad Talha, who has not played international cricket in four years, have also been included in the 15-man party.

The tall Mohammad Irfan was not considered due to injury, while batsman Umar Amin and spinner Zulfiqar Babar have been omitted.

All-rounder Shahid Afridi will miss Friday's fifth and final ODI, instead returning home to be with his ill daughter. The inexperienced Anwar Ali is likely to be named as a replacement.

The first Test will get underway in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Dubai and Sharjah will hosts Tests two and three respectively.

<b>Test squad:</b> Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Asaf Shafiq, Younis Khan, Adnan Akmal, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Talha.

Latest