LAHORE: Star leg-spinner Yasir Shah passed a late fitness test Saturday to join Pakistan’s 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.

Yasir’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 Inzamamul Haq said Yasir 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.

The first Test starts in Abu Dhabi from Thursday. The second Test — a day-night affair — will be played in Dubai from October 6.

The two teams will also play five ODIs and three T20Is, the last of which will be in Lahore on October 29 — subject to security clearance.

The series will be Pakistan’s first without stalwarts Younus Khan and former skipper Misbahul Haq, who both retired following the team’s series in the West Indies in May.

Sarfraz Ahmed, already leading Pakistan in ODIs and T20Is, will lead the Test side for the first time, with youngsters Usman Salahuddin and Babar Azam likely to fill in for the two greats.

“I am sure youngsters will try their best to fill the places left by Misbah and Younus and do their best,” said Inzamam.

In pictures: Pakistan train for Sri Lanka series with practice match

Pakistan have also selected 25-year-old uncapped left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza who has taken 216 wickets in 46 first-class matches.

The squad has five fast-bowlers and three spinners.

The 31-year-old spinner Bilal Asif has not played a Test but has featured in three ODIs in the past.

On Butt’s selection

On a query regarding left-handed batsman Salman Butt’s return to the team, Inzamam clarified that he is not being ignored.

“Salman’s performance in the [high performance] camp was exceptional,” he said. “His fitness is great. We don’t want to push him hard by sending him on an international tour after six years of sitting out. We want to try him out in an A-team tour first. He is not completely out; we are considering him.”

Pakistan squad

Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Bilal Asif, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz.