Time is right for Inzamam

Inzamam-ul-Haq said that the time is right to retire from Test cricket © Getty Images

Veteran Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq believes he has picked the right time to retire as his team attempt to level their Test series against South Africa.

The former captain had been named in the side along with Mohammad Yousuf for the second Test as Pakistan look to square the two-match series after suffering a 160-run defeat in the first match.

It will be Inzamam`s first appearance since Pakistan`s disappointing World Cup campaign.

The match will also allow the 37-year-old a chance to score the 21 more runs he needs to overtake Javed Miandad's record of 8832 runs in Test matches for Pakistan.

Inzaman though believes the time is right to pass on the torch but remains focused on attempting to win the match.

“The Lahore Test will be my last Test match,” he said.

“It was a difficult decision to make, but the youngsters are playing well and I have decided it's better to leave. The way we have performed in the World Twenty20, there are lots of encouraging signs.

Umar Gul becomes Mark Boucher 396th dismissal after being stumped. © Getty Images

“My priority though is to perform well and help Pakistan draw the series.”

The new generation will be looking to deny South Africa their first win against a major side on the subcontinent for seven years, but the Proteas will be in confident mood following their convincing victory last week.

Jacques Kallis was back to his brilliant best smashing 155 and 100 not out in his two innings.

Dale Steyn was also on form as his 5-56 in the second innings wrapped up the win to pile the pressure on Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik in what is only his second Test in charge.

South Africa wicket-keeper Marc Boucher will also be looking to extend his recent record for dismissals in Test history after breaking Ian Healy`s mark in Karachi.

The 30-year-old made Umar Gul his 396th victim by stumping him in the first innings and added to his tally by catching Kamran Akmal in the second.

And Australian Healy believes that Boucher can go on to set a record that may never be beaten.

“That record may never be surpassed if they decrease the amount of Test cricket played,” Healy said.

“He (Boucher) has been a great, solid performer who is held in the utmost respect by his team-mates.”