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Cricket
Zahid replaces Akram
KARACHI, JAN. 26. Pakistan's forgotten fast bowler Muhammad Zahid was recalled on Friday to replace injured veteran Wasim Akram in a 15-man squad bound for a series against West Indies in Sharjah.
Zahid's last Test outing was in 1998 when Pakistan met Australia in Peshawar in a match remembered for Australian skipper Mark Taylor's record-breaking knock of 335 runs.
Zahid last played for Pakistan in a 1998 one-day international in Toronto, Canada, before a crippling back injury forced him out of first class cricket for two years.
``To be honest, I was not expecting to be included in the Pakistan team now as this is the first season I am coming back after the injury,'' Zahid said.
``Having to replace Wasim... is a big responsibility but I will aim to vindicate my selection,'' he added.
Zahid's inclusion, despite him taking just 17 wickets in seven first class matches this season, comes after 35-year-old Akram withdrew from the Bangladesh series with a strained hamstring.
``We have recalled (Zahid) as he is a genuine fast bowler and has the ability to make his mark against the West Indies team in Sharjah,'' said chief selector Wasim Bari.
After making his debut for Pakistan in 1997 against New Zealand, Zahid was given the tag of the world's fastest bowler by West Indian Brian Lara during a world series tournament in Australia.
The only other change in the Pakistan squad, currently playing in Bangladesh, is Shahid Afridi who replaces opener Shadab Kabir.
The players will be leaving on Monday for Sharjah, where they begin the first Test against West Indies from Jan. 31.
The squad: Waqar Younis (capt.), Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Taufiq Umar, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Faisal Iqbal, Naveed Latif, Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, Muhammad Zahid, Muhammad Sami, Saqlain Mushtaq, Danish Kaneria and Abdul Razzak.
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