Younis returns but Shoaib likely to return to Durham

Pakistan will be bolstered by the return of Younis Khan for the third and final Test against Bangladesh at Multan starting on September 3. Younis missed the first two matches because of family commitments.

"Younis is a strong choice for the third Test given his experience," explained Aamir Sohail, Pakistan's chief selector. "He, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana are our best bets in the middle order."

The selectors will also need to establish whether Shoaib Akhtar is available for the third Test or is intending to return to finish the season with Durham. He was released to cover for the injured Mohammad Sami on the condition that he would rejoin them at the beginning of September.

"The academy team has returned from South Africa and we have some options available now in fast bowlers," Sohail said. "We have to see in this Test if newcomers like Umar Gul and Shabbir Ahmed can take the pressure of shouldering the bowling without Shoaib and Sami."

It is almost certain that the Pakistan Cricket Board will release Shoaib.