Sources said that new skipper Younis Khan has already held talks with the chief selector Abdul Qadir and his colleagues about Malik's inclusion in the side.

"Younis has no doubt that Malik is one of the most improved players in the country and must be retained in the Test side as well," one source said.

"Younis is not in favour of pushing young batsman Umar Amin into the Test side in the coming series and has advised the selectors to let the left hander play one more domestic season before considering him for national selection," he added.

Amin, who bats as an opener and in the middle-order has been given a C category central contract by the PCB to reward him for his prolific form this season.

"Basically with Younis wanting Malik in the side, the selectors now have to decide on the second opener to partner Salman Butt and one batsman in the middle-order.

"And now the toss is between Asim Kamal, Faisal Iqbal and uncapped Saeed Bin Nasir who has been in top form in last two seasons," the source said.

He said that it is quite likely Younis will convince the selectors to recall Yasir Hameed, who can open the innings with (Salman) Butt and he wants Asim Kamal for the middle-order spot.

"We will give enough room to Younis. As captain he is our General in the field and should have a say in selection matters also," former Pakistan leg-spinner Qadir said.

Younis has already made his presence felt after being named captain when he shot down a proposal by Qadir to have two trial matches in Karachi and Lahore this month, a move that was approved by the PCB.