History the key in Pakistan squad

‘‘He has a very good record against India and has improved as a player. He is more consistent, because of which we played him in the Sydney Test, and he performed creditably’’, Bari said.

Adding to his case was his utility as a brilliant fielder and the spin of his fastish leggies.

Arshad Khan (34) has come into the picture purely on the past success of off-spinners on Indian wickets. ‘‘We know Tauseef Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq bowled well against India so we thought we must pick an off-spinner because Shoaib Malik can’t bowl due to ICC restrictions’’, says Bari.

During the 1987 series, offie Ahmed picked up 17 wickets in five Tests with a bowling performance of 5-54 in Bangalore that helped them clinch the series 1-0. In 1999, Saqlain picked up four consecutive five-wicket hauls in the two Tests at Chennai and Delhi.

In a clear attempt to check skipper Inzamam ul-Haq, the PCB has surprisingly appointed Younis Khan as the vice-captain for the tour ahead of Yousuf Youhana, who led the team in Australia when Inzamam was injured.

‘‘We don’t decide that’’, said Bari; the PCB chief did, thinking of the future, he said. During the 2003 World Cup, Younis Khan and Inzamam were involved in a fisticuff during practice. Now they will have to think together.