Asif recalled ahead of schedule

Asif bolsters the Pakistan pace attack for Multan clash

Pakistan have recalled fast bowler Mohammad Asif into the squad for Wednesday’s fourth one-day international against Bangladesh as he continues his recovery from an elbow operation.

The 25-year-old paceman, who played his last one-day game in October, has been in rehabilitation since undergoing surgery on his right elbow in December last year.

The selectors had initially ruled Asif out of the ongoing series against the Tigers but he is recovering well and finds a place in the 16-man squad for the Multan game.

Pakistan, who lead the five-match series 3-0 after Sunday’s 23-run win in Lahore, have also called uncapped batsman Naumanullah into the squad in place of injured opener Nasir Jamshed.

Sind-born Naumanullah, 32, has been in prolific form in domestic cricket this season, scoring 1,235 first-class runs at 53.69, and also has been named the best batsman in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy for 2007-08.

The fifth one-day international will be played in his hometown of Karachi on Saturday.