Shoaib Malik fit for one-day series

Shoaib Malik adds another option to the Pakistan one-day squad © Getty Images

Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan allrounder, has been passed fit for the one-day series against England after missing the Test matches with an elbow problem. Malik had to return home before the start of the first Test, but has now added his name the list of Pakistan's returning injured players.

Wasim Bari, the chief selector, told Reuters: "We have informed the team management that Malik is now fit and has been cleared to play by the PCB medical panel. The management has to decide when to call him.

"He is now okay and keen to resume playing again. His inclusion will further increase Pakistan's options for the one-day series which is also important for us."

Bari said no final decision had been taken on retaining Mohammad Hafeez for the one-series, despite his fine 95 in the final Test at The Oval, following his late call-up to the squad. "I think he should stay for the one-dayers as he is a very useful all-round player," added Bari, "but let us see what the team management wants."

If both Hafeez and Malik are included in the one-day squad, Pakistan will be spoilt for choice went it comes to their allrounders. Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi have both missed the last two Tests but are still dangerous players in the limited overs game.

Before the final Test, Pakistan sent home the openers Taufeeq Umar and Salman Butt plus Samiullah Niazi, left-arm pacer, and Bari said a decision on the final one-day squad would be made in the next week. They are hopeful that Shoaib Akhtar will continue his recovery, while Mohammad Asif has shown his fitness with an impressive performance at The Oval and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is also bowling again.

Before the five-match one-day series, which starts at Cardiff on August 30, Pakistan play England in a Twenty20 International, at Bristol, on August 28.