Younus included in first ODI squad

Younus Khan is set to return to international cricket.[© AFP]

Younus Khan will return to international cricket after nearly two and a half months as the former Pakistan skipper has been included in the playing eleven for the first one-day international against Australia.

Pakistan team manager Abdul Raquib said that Younus was part of a 12-member squad finalised for the first match.

"Younus has since joining us, practiced hard and settled down well with the team. The tour selectors felt he is now ready for a comeback to international cricket," he said.

Younus last played in the first week of November against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi before pulling out of the Test tour to New Zealand insisting he needed a break from international cricket.

Younus also didn't make himself available for the Tests in Australia but was included in the one-day side by the national selectors on insistence of captain Mohammad Yousuf.

Younus had told reporters in Brisbane that he was refreshed after his break and having spent lot of time with his family.

"I am feeling fresh and hungry to play international cricket once again," he said.

But Younus made it clear he had no regrets about taking the break and missing out on the Test tours to New Zealand and Australia.

"I don't hold myself responsible for the defeats in Australia. I took a correct decision at the right time," he added.

Pakistan squad for the first ODI: Muhammad Yousuf, Younus Khan, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aamir, Saeed Ajmal, Rana Naved. Fawad Alam (12th man).