ODIs against England key for Pak future, says Waqar

Karachi: Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis has described the upcoming four-match ODI series against England as ‘important’, saying that it would go a long way in helping his side for the future, particularly for the Champions Trophy 2017 and World Cup 2019.

Waqar believes that the one-day cricket has changed a lot now and England have become familiar to those conditions, the Dawn reported.

Pakistan had lost ODI series against Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh under Waqar before defeating Zimbabwe twice.

Pakistan will play four ODIs against England, starting from November 11 at Abu Dhabi.

Ace spinner Saeed Ajmal has not been included in the squad after reported for suspect bowling actions. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah will replace Ajmal in the ODI team against England.

Pakistan have already clinched three-match Test series 2-0 against England following their 127 run win in the third test. Pakistan won second Test by 178 runs while first match between the two sides ended in a draw.

Pakistan ODI squad:

Azhar Ali (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Bilal Asif, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Amir Yamin, Anwer Ali, Yasir Shah, Zafar Gohar, Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan

England ODI squad:

Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan, Alex Hales, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, James Taylor, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett.(ANI)