Happy days for Younis Khan as he is named vice-captain © Getty Images

Younis Khan has been named as Pakistan's vice-captain for their forthcoming tour of India, while Arshad Khan, the tall offspinner, has earned a recall to the Test team. Shoaib Akhtar, who recently ruled himself out of contention with a hamstring injury, was left out of the 15-man squad announced today by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Arshad, speaking to The News was understandably ecstatic about his recall. "It is like a dream come true for me," he said. "I have been performing in the domestic matches in the hope of being picked for India. Now that it has happened I want to do my best for the country."

Wasim Bari, the chief selector, explained Arshad's selection. "Arshad has been recalled because we require a second specialist spinner in India to support Danish Kaneria," he said. He is experienced and has been bowling very well in domestic matches." Arshad has certainly had a good run in domestic cricket, picking up 46 wickets in 13 first-class matches at an average of 22.02.

Shabbir Ahmed, who has been struggling with injury, did not recover in time and nstead the pace department is spearheaded by Mohammad Sami, and also includes Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Mohammad Khalil. Pakistan will also lean heavily on Abdul Razzaq's medium-pace.

Danish Kaneria heads the spinners and will be assisted by Arshad, who was rewarded with a recall for performing consistently in domestic cricket in Pakistan. Arshad last played a Test against England in 2000-01. Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi, the allrounders, strengthen the spin department.

Squad Taufeeq Umar, Salman Butt, Yasir Hameed, Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Asim Kamal, Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal (wk), Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Sami, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Arshad Khan, Mohammad Khalil.