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Shan Masood, Haris Sohail should be retained for South Africa series: Latif

He also backed in-form pacer Hasan Ali’s inclusion in the national side

Shan Masood, Haris Sohail should be retained for South Africa series: Latif PHOTO COURTESY: YouTube Screengrab

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif believes that opener Shan Masood and middle-order batsman Haris Sohail should be retained in the squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa.

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Latif said that Shan and Haris should be given another chance, despite the duo failing to perform on the New Zealand tour, to regain their form with the bat.

“If the newcomers, who replace Shan Masood and Haris Sohail, perform well against South Africa at home but are not able to do that away from home, then what will you do? I think Shan and Haris should be retained for upcoming South Africa series so that they can regain their form and confidence,” said Latif.  

He also backed in-form pacer Hasan Ali’s inclusion in the national side, albeit in the limited-overs format.

Hasan was named player of the tournament in the recently concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

“We need to see if they bring him [Hasan Ali] in Test matches or white-ball cricket. Personally, I think he should not be exposed to the longer format because he has just returned from an injury,” he said. “We need to handle Hasan carefully because he is in great form with, both, bat and ball and his attitude towards the game makes him a great asset for the team.”

Pakistan’s new chief selector Mohammad Wasim will announce the Test squad, for the two-match series against South Africa, on Friday, January 15. The first Test between the two sides will start in Karachi from January 26.