Pakistan's remarkable success with the ball against Australia at Headingley has strengthened the case to recall their best batsmen, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, for the series against England.
As dazzling as the bowling of Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul was in skittling Australia for 88 on the opening day of the second MCC Spirit of Cricket Test, Pakistan's success during the rest of the summer is likely to be determined by the quality of their batting unit.
The disastrous tour of Australia during the winter led to former captains Yousuf and Khan receiving indefinite life bans by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The suspensions have now been overturned and both men have indicated their willingness to return but will the selectors bring them back?
A group of Pakistan fans at Headingley made their feelings clear by raising a banner which read: "Where is Younis Khan?" It seems both players have been divisive figures in the dressing room during their international careers but their class is beyond doubt. They have plenty of experience of batting in English conditions, an asset Azhar Ali and Umar Amin, Pakistan's current No3 and No4, do not possess.
Younis averages 50.09 from his 63 Tests, with Yousuf averaging 53.07 from 88. If Pakistan can reach a similar level with the ball to the one they achieved yesterday, what better men than Younis and Yousuf to crush the life from the opposition with the bat?
The series starts next Thursday and a glance at the statistics from the England-Pakistan Test contest four years ago provides shining evidence of their class. Yousuf scored 631 runs at just above 90, and Younis managed 329 at a shade below 66.
