Younus likely to return for Aussie series

Nagpur:

Pakistan's upcoming tour to Australia could mark the comeback of Younus Khan into international cricket, after former captain ruled out any talks of retiring from the game and said he would be available for the team whenever needed.

Younus, who was not considered for the tour of Australia after he did not make himself available and could not be contacted by selectors, attended a five-day level-one coaching course organised by the Pakistan cricket Board here, much to the surprise of many.

"You will see me in action in next two or three days and I will always remain available for the national duty whenever my team needs me. Nothing is more important for me than the Pakistan team," Younus said quashing rumours that he was considering an early retirement after having pulled out of the Test tour of New Zealand last month.

Younus said he had skipped the New Zealand tour because he felt the need for taking a break from international cricket.

"I wanted to reset my priorities and reorganise myself and my cricket. I think, I have achieved that for now and in this course, the instructors have also motivated me a lot and I am ready to join the action," Younus said.

Younus who didn't appear in the domestic Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches as demanded by the national selectors before the squad for Australian tour was announced said that he was not the kind of guy who will run away from playing domestic cricket.

"I have always given domestic cricket priority and I am one of those players who even play domestic matches after returning from foreign tours," he added.

Younus is scheduled to lead the Habib bank side in the Quaid Trophy final against Karachi starting from Monday in Karachi.

Younus also praised his successor, Muhammad Yousuf.

"I think Yousuf has done a great job with the team in New Zealand. He has led from the front and that is a good thing because when the senior players perform and lead from the front, the team does well."

He said Yousuf has handled the team well and if the senior players combine well with the juniors, there seems to be no reason why Pakistan's couldn't be at the top of the cricket.

"I have always said that my dream is to see Pakistan among the top cricket nations and I think that can be achieved if we play collectively."