Misbah returns as Pakistan skipper

Misbah-ul-Haq last played a Test in January but has been named Pakistan captain for the series against South Africa

Pakistan have named recalled batsman Misbah-ul-Haq as their Test captain for the forthcoming series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates.

The 36-year-old was yesterday restored to the international fold after more than six months in the cold and now he has been installed as skipper in the longer format.

Shahid Afridi retains the captaincy of the limited-overs team, but with the all-rounder retired from Tests and his successor Salman Butt one of three Pakistan players currently suspended by the International Cricket Council due to an ongoing investigation into match fixing, Misbah has landed the role.

Other notable inclusions in the 16-strong Test squad include opener Taufeeq Umar, back after four years in the wilderness, and experienced seamer Mohammad Sami, recalled after last appearing in the ill-fated tour of Australia in January when Misbah made his last Test appearance.

Spinner Danish Kaneria, who was dropped in favour of Saeed Ajmal during the npower Test series defeat to England, is also in the squad.

Like Butt, pacemen Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif are currently suspended pending an investigation into spot-fixing allegations, meaning Sohail Tanvir and Tanvir Ahmed are selected as seam cover for the November series.

As in the one-day squad named yesterday, Zulqarnain Haider takes the wicketkeeping gloves from Kamran Akmal who is recovering from an appendicitis operation.

Pakistan Test squad: Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Umar Akmal, Azhar Ali, Saeed Ajmal, Danish Kaneria, Abdur Rehman, Zulqarnain Haider, Umar Gul, Tanvir Ahmed, Mohammad Sami, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir.