Inzamam pushing for recall

After his disastrous performances in the 2003 World Cup, Inzamam-ul-Haq is pressing his claims for a recall to the Pakistan team. His prospects have improved no end since the withdrawal of Younis Khan from next month's series against Bangladesh.

Inzamam managed just 19 runs in six matches during the World Cup, as Pakistan crashed out in the first round. "World Cup 2003 was the worst phase in my career," he admitted, "but that is now behind me and I am doing all-out efforts to get my place in the team back and further my career.

"Since the World Cup was a major tournament everyone was disappointed with the team's performance and especially with my batting but I assure my return will make them forget everything. I want to reach 10,000 runs and in this second phase of my career I will try to transfer my experience and guile to youngsters."

Pakistan host Bangladesh for three Tests and five one-dayers before playing a series against South Africa. Inzamam has scored 6,214 runs in 85 Tests, and 8,957 runs in 290 one-day internationals.