Ex-Pak skipper Wasim Bari says Younis should be 'automatic selection for WC'

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Former Pakistan cricket team captain Wasim Bari said that veteran batsman Younis Khan should be an automatic selection for the World Cup following his historic achievement against Australia in the first Test in Dubai.

Bari said that after such an excellence batting show and a century in both innings, Younis has proved his class, fitness and standing.

He said that personally, he wasn't happy at Younis' axing from the ODI series because the team badly needed batsmen like him who have the ability to steady the innings and attack when needed, The Dawn reported.

The skipper said that that is exactly what Younis showed in the Dubai Test. He added that the batsman steadied Pakistan's first innings after the loss of two quick wickets and his century in the second was enterprising and attacking.

The former chief selector added that Pakistan needed a fighting batsman for the World Cup next year. He said that Younis has the ability to perform under pressure, adding that his fighting qualities bring best out of him.

The former wicketkeeper said that Pakistan has a good opportunity to wrap up the series with the second Test starting in Abu Dhabi from Thursday, but warned the squad to be ready for an Australian backlash.