LAHORE, Pakistan, (Reuters) – Pakistan recalled pacer Sohail Khan and included uncapped batsman Haider Ali in their 29-member squad for the upcoming tour of England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said yesterday.

The selectors have also put Bilal Asif, Imran Butt, Musa Khan and Mohammad Nawaz on standby to cover for any player who fails pre-tour COVID-19 testing scheduled later this month.

“The series against England will be challenging as our players have not played any competitive cricket since March, while the home team will come following a series against the West Indies,” head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said.

Sohail, 36, has not played test cricket since the 2016 Boxing Day match in Melbourne but has been rewarded for his strong form in domestic cricket.

Haider has also been in impressive form in domestic and under-19 cricket to claim an emerging players’ contract for the 2020-21 season.