Moin Khan has been left out of the Pakistan squad

But the most distinctive Pakistan captain - certainly the best known - was Imran Khan, who took over in July 1982 and, in all but three Tests later in the decade, led the side in every match that he played until his retirement in January 1992.

For three years in the mid-1980s, Imran did not bowl a ball in Test cricket because of a stress fracture to his left shin.

But even as Javed and Zaheer Abbas deputised, Imran retained the spiritual leadership of the side.

Since Imran's retirement, however, injuries and some strange selections have combined to create catalogue of new and reinstated captains.

Initially Javed once again held sway, until, after six Tests, Wasim Akram was appointed, seemingly as a long-term successor to Imran.

Soon, however, Wasim was injured and Waqar was called in to deputise.

Salim Malik was then officially appointed captain, even though Wasim returned to the side.

Malik held the post for 11 Tests before being replaced by Rameez Raja.

Back at the helm

Three Tests later, Wasim was back in charge.

This time, Wasim lasted 10 Tests before once again being injured.

Saeed Anwar was asked to take charge - before Rameez was re- appointed two Tests later. Shortly after, the captaincy returned to Anwar.

It was not long - three Tests - before Wasim was back at the helm. It was also not long - again, three Tests - before he was injured once more.

This time Aamir Sohail was given the captain's role.

Two Tests later, Sohail was sacked and Rashid Latif instated for the first time.

Latif went one better by lasting three Tests, until he too was relieved of his duties. Back once again came Sohail.

Wasim Akram and Gough share a joke

Wasim was back in the side, but only as a foot soldier.

(Take a headache tablet here, we are not finished yet!)

Five Tests passed before Sohail was sacked for a second time and Moin Khan took over - for one Test only.

Wasim was named as captain once again and this time he held the job for nine Tests, until - not again! - he was replaced by Anwar (last seen 22 Tests and six captains ago).

Two Tests later, Moin Khan was recalled for the longest period in charge for any captain since the retirement of Imran - 12 Tests.

When he was injured in New Zealand, Pakistan had their latest captain in Inzamam-ul- Haq.

And a disastrous affair it proved to be, too, as New Zealand won by an innings and 185 runs.

With Moin having been discredited as a captain after England's dramatic win in Karachi last winter, it came as no surprise that Waqar was confirmed as the leader for the tour of England.

But to conclude that captains were routinely punished for poor results would be to miss the point.

Salim Malik had a good record - seven wins out of 12 Tests - and Wasim's was by no means bad - 12 wins out of 25.

Thumping victory

Indeed, there were more draws for temporary captains than defeats - six draws, two losses for Moin Khan; and three draws, two losses for Sohail.

Only Anwar's record was poor - four losses, and only one win, out of seven.

And Imran's record as captain was far from great, with 14 wins and eight losses from 47 matches.

The best record of all? None other than Waqar Younis. One match, one thumping victory.

Well, he must have learnt a trick or two from the others!