Yousuf cannot be a miracle cure: Butt

Pakistan have now won just three out of their last 21 Tests and Butt said,How many wins have Pakistan had with the people who were previously playing? Had we been winning with them in the team in the past two years then it could have been a mistake to omit them. But the results were the same, he said.

In fact these guys the current team pulled off a victory after 15 years against Australia. So people are not seeing the reality. We have to make people understand these are the guys for the future, he added.

However,Butt was careful to avoid giving a direct answer when asked whether favoured a recall for either Yousuf or Younis Khan,another ex-captain and experienced batsman who has been playing for English county Surrey this season. To bring somebody in or to send somebody back is not in my hands. That is what the selectors are there for and its for the board to decide.

Nevertheless,Butt stressed it was important for his novices to be given a fair chance. I am just two games old as a captain. We have won one and lost the other. What do you expect from them win every game? That will not happen. This is the time when you back your players. I know they can come back.

Ex-players criticise recall

Meanwhile,the PCBs move to recall former captain Mohammad Yousuf to the national fold has evoked a strong response from former players,who collectively feel that the decision would adversely impact the teams rebuilding process.

This decision to summon Mohammad Yousuf and Reza Hasan to England is totally uncalled for and negates the rebuilding process of the national team8230; There was no need to panic after the defeat to England. By summoning Yousuf,we are sending out the message that we dont have confidence in our youngsters., Abdul Qadir,former leg-spinner said.

And if Yousuf can be called up despite not having played any proper cricket since last March then what crime has Younis Khan committed? added Qadir.

Former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail too wasnt convinced. They the board themselves dont know what they want. They insisted on taking young players instead of Younis and Yousuf to England and now they are backtracking on their decisions after the defeat we suffered. What effect this will have on confidence of Danish Kaneria released due to Yousufs inclusion is easy to guess. He is your most experienced bowler and should have been remained with the team. The coaches should work on building up his confidence, Sohail said.

Ramiz Raja,who is currently commentating on the Test series in England feels that if Yousuf is recalled,then so should Younis. Younis must be included in the team. When they can call up Yousuf why not Younis? He is your best batsman at the moment, Raja said.

It is clear that this inexperienced batting line-up requires an experienced batsman like Younis in the side, he added.

It was a big mistake to not select these two in the first place and now when they are required them most the Board and selectors are still prolonging the wait on Younis Khans return when everyone knows he eventually will have to be selected, former chief selector Iqbal Qasim said.