Younus is one of the most recognisable faces in Pakistan cricket

Pakistan have recalled former captain Younus Khan for the series against South Africa in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The batsman, 32, received an indefinite ban in March from the Pakistan Cricket Board for indiscipline during the ill-fated tour of Australia last winter.

The ban was lifted in June, but he was only cleared to return after talks with PCB chairman Ijaz Butt on Wednesday.

He replaces Mohammad Yousuf, who has been ruled out of the one-day matches after rupturing his abductor muscles.

Younus, signed by Warwickshire as their overseas signing for 2011, has played 63 Tests since his debut in February 2000, scoring 16 centuries at an average of more than 50.

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"I am very happy and relieved to be back in the team and it will be my earnest effort to live up to the confidence imposed in me by the selectors," he said.

His selection into the Test squad for the series in South Africa is dependent on his performance in the limited-overs formats.

He was originally banned by the PCB after it was found that along with Yousuf the pair had been involved in "infighting which... brought down the whole team," during the tour of Australia earlier in the year.

"Chairman of the PCB has given clearance this afternoon to Younus Khan and that is good news," said chief selector Mohsin Khan.

"I discussed with the selection committee and we picked him straight away. He is fit, playing top-class cricket."

Yousuf has been advised to rest his injury for at least two weeks. If the prolific batsman recovers, he might play in the two Tests against South Africa next month in the United Arab Emirates.

The team leaves for the UAE on Saturday and the series, including two Twenty20s and five ODIs, begins with a Twenty20 on Tuesday.

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