Pakistan will make two changes for the crucial Asia Cup match against India on Wednesday, replacing Wahab Riaz and Mansoor Amjad with Abdul Rauf and off spinner Saeed Ajmal.
Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed met with captain Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson after the nets and announced that the changes had been necessitated for their do-or-die match.
"The good thing is that Malik has also declared himself fit for the match despite suffering from some dehydration and fatigue," he said.
It will be the first outing for 30-year-old Ajmal who bowls off-spinners and had a successful domestic season.
Rauf, a tall and well built pacer has played just one international against Zimbabwe earlier this year.
Pakistan manager Talat Ali said Malik was recovering well after taking a rest.
"His blood tests have come out fine and there is no major problem with him. But he was dehydrated and needed rest. He is himself very keen to play the match because it is important for our survival," Ali said.
Malik said he would do everything to play against India although he was still feeling weak.
"This match is crucial for us and we will do our best to win it."
Malik also called on the people and media to support the team and encourage it.
"Support is very important to push us to giving our best. We will do our best but India is a good side so we have to do something special," he said.
