Pakistan to decide on rusty Yousuf after key talks

Mohammad Yousuf is preparing to play against England tomorrow without practising properly and less than 24 hours after arriving in Birmingham.

Pakistan captain Salman Butt confirmed he and the coaching team would hold talks with Yousuf when he arrived in the country to ascertain his physical state after an eight-hour flight.

Yousuf retired from the international game in protest at being banned for life following a disastrous tour of Australia last winter, before making himself available again when the suspension was lifted.

The 35-year-old has played only two high-level Twenty20 matches since January but he has a Test average of 53 and his class and experience would bolster a flimsy batting line-up.

"There is obviously no chance for him to practise," said Butt. "It will be a management decision after we have spoken to him, because it totally depends what condition he is in.

"He has to tell me what kind of physical state he is in after the flight.

"He was also travelling between different cities in Pakistan to get his visa and to come back, so there has been quite a bit of travelling for him."