Yasir in Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests

Lahore: Pakistan’s prolific leg-spinner Yasir Shah passed a late fitness test Saturday to join the 16-man squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting next week.

The 31-year-old has been team's leading wicket-taker since making his debut in 2014, with a tally of 149 scalps in 26 Tests.

Shah's 24 wickets in three Tests helped Pakistan beat Sri Lanka away in 2015 but the stocky spinner has struggled for fitness in the past few months.

Chief selector Inzamam-ul Haq said Shah was told in clear terms that he would not be selected if he didn't pass the final fitness test.

"Yasir has been our main bowler for the way he has taken wickets consistently, but he needed to maintain a fitness standard and was told he had to pass the test and he did to get a place in the squad," said Inzamam while announcing the squad.

Sarfraz Ahmed, already leading Pakistan in one-day and Twenty20 internationals, will lead the Test side for the first time, with youngsters Usman Salahuddin and Babar Azam likely to fill in for the two greats.