Amir, Azhar return to ODI squad for NZ series

Mohammad Amir returns to the ODI fold for the New Zealand tour after being out due to an injury. © Getty

Mohammad Amir and Azhar Ali are set to return to the Pakistan side for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, set to begin from January 6. Amir (shin injury) and Azhar (knee injury) have recovered from their respective injuries that had ruled them out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka in October.

Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Imad Wasim (knee injury), and left-arm pacers Junaid Khan (foot stress fracture) and Usman Khan (back stress fracture) have been ruled out of the series.

While Mohammad Nawaz, who last played an ODI in January, has come in as a replacement for Imad, uncapped pacer Aamer Yamin has also been included. Ahmed Shehzad has been left out of the side to accommodate Azhar.

The rest of the squad, led by Sarfraz Ahmed, wears a similar look to the one that beat Sri Lanka 5-0 in the UAE. Apart from Yamin, Umar Amin and Sohaib Maqsood were also called for a fitness test by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but couldn't make it to the final squad.

"The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in the domestic tournament," Inzamam-ul-Haq, chief selector, said. "Azhar Ali makes a comeback to the ODI squad after being rested in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is making a comeback, having regained full fitness.

"Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the ODI squad due to a fracture in his right foot and doctors have advised him to rest for six weeks. Aamir Yamin comes in to replace the left arm pacer in the squad. Imad Wasim is again feeling discomfort in his knee, and has been told to work on his fitness in the NCA."

Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Rumman Raees