Pakistan react to thrashing by calling Yousuf out of his early retirement

Yousuf has endured a turbulent time of late, first captaining his country in their miserable, winless tour of Australia over the winter then being banned for life by the Pakistan Cricket Board – one of a number of harsh punishments doled out following an investigation into the trip down under.

The ban was later lifted, though the veteran responded to the news by confirming his retirement. Such decisions are not always permanent in Pakistan cricket though and talk of a recall has been persistent throughout their tour of England.

New captain Salman Butt and coach Waqar Younis have frequently denied Yousuf or Younus Khan – another out of favour ex-skipper – would be summoned.

But in the light of yesterday's 354-run defeat at Trent Bridge, a result hastened by Pakistan's dismal 80 all out in the second innings, that position seems to have softened.

Yousuf, 35, has a pedigree none of the current Pakistan team can come close to, with 24 Test centuries to his name and a career average of 53.07.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who returned match figures of one for 171 in Nottingham, has been told he can return to play county cricket for Essex, with teenage left-armer Raza Hasan taking his place.

A PCB statement released from Lahore confirmed the squad changes.

It read: "Danish Kaneria is released from the national team and is now available to play for his county Essex. His services will be available for the national squad if required.

"Mohammad Yousuf and Raza Hasan are added to the national squad with immediate effect."

The Yousuf recall in particular represents a considerable

U-turn for Pakistan, with Waqar not hopeful of adding reinforcements as recently as yesterday.

Asked after the third day's play whether Yousuf and Younus would be returning, he answered: "One (Yousuf) is retired – we can't bring someone back who is retired – and the other (Younus) has serious issues with the cricket board."

Butt had also been cool on the prospect, adding after yesterday's early finish: "To bring somebody in or to send somebody back is not in my hands. That is what the selectors are there for, and it is for the board to decide."

England captain Andrew Strauss has has no such concerns but still warned against overconfidence after his side cruised to victory.

James Anderson's first 10-wicket match haul carried England to victory and Strauss said: "I'm very satisfied with what we've done. It was not all our way, we had some tough times but we reacted well.

"Our bowling was first class but I'm very conscious it's only the first game. We're looking for consistency and one game doesn't make you consistent.

"It was a good team performance and we need to build on it in the next game."

Strauss reserved special praise for Sussex wicketkeeper Matt Prior who made 102 not out Saturday to put England in control and for centurion Eoin Morgan.

"Prior's 100 was an outstanding innings and any chance of Pakistan victory was taken away," he said. "Eoin's greatest strengths are his temperament and the way he can read the game. I'm really excited about what he can bring."