Pakistan add pace duo to squad

KARACHI: Pakistan have added pace bowlers Tanvir Ahmed and Rahat Ali to their side in South Africa before the first Test starting on February 1, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Sunday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the team, currently playing a four-day tour opener in East London before the first Test in Johannesburg, sent a request for the extra bowlers.

"After considering the conditions and duration of the tour in South Africa the Pakistan team management has requested the national selection committee to send two fast bowlers," said a PCB press release, adding that they would reach South Africa before the start of the first Test on Friday.

The team already includes pace bowlers Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan and uncapped Ehsan Adil.

Tanvir Ahmed, 34, played the last of his four Tests in the West Indies in 2011 and has also played two one-day matches, while 24-year-old left-armer Rahat Ali played one limited-overs international in Sri Lanka last year before he was discarded.

Pakistan will also play two Twenty20s and five one-day internationals on the tour. A squad for the limited overs matches will be announced next month.