Asif and Hafeez to reinforce Pakistan team

ISLAMABAD, Aug 6 (Reuters) Pakistan paceman Mohammad Asif and all rounder Mohammad Hafeez will reinforce the touring squad in England before the fourth test at the Oval starting on August 17, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said today.

''They will be joining the team in next few days and will be considered for the fourth test and one-day series,'' PCB director Abbas Zaidi told Reuters.

Asif, who has taken 25 wickets in five tests, returned home before the first test at Lord's with an elbow injury. He has since recovered and passed a fitness test on Friday.

Hafeez, 25, an opener and off break bowler has been called up after a string of good performances recently for the A side against the hosts, New Zealand and India.

Hafeez last played for the senior team against India in April 2005 while the last of his last three test appearances was against Bangladesh in 2003.

''Both of them will hopefully strengthen the side and give more options to the team management,'' Zaidi said.

Pakistan has not only had to struggle with injuries to their key bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar, Asif and Rana Naved but also with their opening pair.

Pakistan have tried three different pairs in the three tests with regular opener Imran Farhat being overlooked for the current third test at Headingley because of a finger injury.

REUTERS PM BST1751