Yousuf makes Test case with crucial runs

Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf boosted his chances of a Test recall with an impressive unbeaten 40 on a rain-hit opening day of the two-day tour match at Worcestershire.

Only 28.1 overs were possible at New Road, during which the tourists finished on 112 for two with 35-year-old Yousuf hitting eight fours in 54 deliveries yesterday.

The appalling weather was irritating for the veteran batsman, who is aiming to make his Test comeback at The Oval next week after arriving only a day before Pakistan slipped to defeat in the second Test at Edgbaston.

"Yousuf has been working hard for the last week or so. He's mentally stronger now and it was his decision to get out of retirement and play for the country again," said Pakistan associate manager Shafqat Rana.

"He is stronger and his reputation is at stake now. He's a world class cricketer and we want him to bat for a long time."

Yasir Hameed was dismissed for 27 in his attempt to secure a Test place.

Hameed and Azhar Ali opened the innings and Ali received an early let-off when he was dropped in the gully by David Wheeldon off left-armer Jack Shantry while on 10.

Ali failed to make the most of his lucky escape and soon afterwards a throw by Alexei Kervezee led to him being run out for 19 after finding himself at the same end as Hameed, who was then joined by Umar Amin. Hameed fell when he was snapped up by Vikram Solanki at first slip off Chris Russell.

On the frustration caused by the weather, Rana added: "It's a beautiful ground and I played here in 1971, but it doesn't feel as if it's summer. "

I'm wearing two sweaters, but all the players are okay although they are feeling chilly. We had been hoping for a full day's cricket."