Malik to replace Afridi in 2nd Test

Former skipper Shoaib Malik is set to replace Shahid Afridi in Pakistan playing eleven for the second Test against Australia at Headingley, which is also likely to see the return of off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Former skipper Shoaib Malik is set to replace Shahid Afridi in Pakistan playing eleven for the second Test against Australia at Headingley, which is also likely to see the return of off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

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Sources said Pakistan will make two changes in the playing XI that lost to Australia by 150 runs in the first Test at Lord's.

Malik will replace Afridi, who has announced retirement from Test cricket, while Saeed Ajmal is likely to come in place of Danish Kaneria, they said.

Malik has apparently convinced the team management that he can still contribute to the side after being axed from the first Test squad following his lack of seriousness in practice sessions.

"We know that he (Malik) did not play any cricket in between the Lord's and Headingley so his form has got nothing to do with his selection. We have achieved what we wanted to and since he has scored fifty in the last Test he has played, he would be there in the team," according to 'The News'.

Pakistan suffered a humiliating 150-run defeat against Australia in the opening Test last week and Malik's inclusion will bolster the batting as he is the seniormost players in absence of Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan.