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Karachi: Middle-order batsman, Younis Khan, is certain to be named as one of the two changes the Pakistan cricket selectors are likely to make for the three-Test series against New Zealand starting next month.

There is a two-way tie for the second spot between Sargodha's Misbah-ul-Haq and Karachi's Faisal Iqbal.

The chairman of selectors Wasim Bari said Friday that the names of the two players would be submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) by Sunday afternoon.

The PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said he was keen to fly out the players as early as possible so that they had enough time to acclimatize. He added that he wanted to ensure the players were available to the team management for the pre-Test warmup games.

Younis was the unlucky to miss the Test series against England after having come of age as a dependable batsman in the middle after nine Tests against Sri Lanka and West Indies last year.

Younis may not have heavily scored in the few first-class matches he has played, he has aggregated enough runs to merit selection.

Misbah and Faisal are engaged in an intriguing tie with the choice of the selectors clearly divided.

Most of the selectors were supporting the cause of Misbah who scored 947 runs in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy with four centuries while Faisal's only innings of note was a double century.

The only thing which might win Faisal a place could be his association with the Pakistan team in the home series against England.

The two middle-order batsmen are expected to replace allrounders Shahid Afridi and Azhar Mahmood. Pakistan one-day squad comprise of just two middle-order batsmen but five openers (Afridi included).

However, Bari said there was a possibility that an opener and fast bowler could be called back. "We will also consult the tour management before we decide the changes."

© Dawn