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Younus targets big scores to revive team's career

The 32-year-old abandoned the captaincy after losing a one-day series to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi two months ago. He stayed away from all international cricket, saying he needed rest to regain his batting form.

He was named in a squad which takes on Australia in five one-day matches, the first of which starts in Brisbane on Friday.

Younus left Tuesday with Fawad Alam, Khalid Latif and Rao Iftikhar, while allrounders Shahid Afridi and Rana Naved-ul-hasan will join the squad from Australia where they are playing in a Twenty20 tournament.

“I am fully focused and will do my best to score big and hope that I help my team win because we need wins,” said Younus, who managed just 22 runs in three one-day matches against New Zealand.

Despite Younus failing in two domestic matches, scoring 29 runs in four innings, Pakistani selectors chose him for the one-day series on the request of from the team management in Australia.

“I took the break to rest myself but always said that whenever my team needs me I will be there to play,” said Younus, who made himself available last month but refused to lead the team again.

Mohammad Yousuf, who replaced Younus as captain for the tour of New Zealand, was retained for the Australia tour as well.