Pollock dropped by South Africa

Shaun Pollock has been left out of the South Africa team for the first Test against Pakistan - the first time in his career that he has been dropped.

The 34-year-old former South Africa captain has played in 107 Tests, taking 416 wickets and scoring 3,781 runs.

Pollock said: "I am surprised and disappointed at not being considered."

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has asked not to be considered for the Test, which starts in Karachi on Monday.

The 37-year-old, who has played 119 Tests, needs 21 runs to break Javed Miandad's Pakistan record of 8,832 Test runs.

He retired from one-day international cricket after the World Cup in March but indicated he would continue playing Test matches.

However, Pakistan chief of selectors Salahuddin Ahmed said: "I spoke to him and asked him about his availability, but he said not to consider him for personal reasons.

"He will obviously be considered if wants to play in the second match."

Batsman Misbah-ul-Haq has been recalled after a four-year absence from Test cricket.

The 33-year-old last played against Bangladesh in Karachi in August, 2003 but was the highest scorer in the Twenty20 tournament in South Africa.

South Africa play two Tests and five one-day internationals in Pakistan.

Pollock, who struggled for pace in the World Twenty20, has ruled out retiring from Test cricket as a result of his omission from the squad ahead of the first Test.

"It is first time I have been dropped apart from fitness issues so it is disappointing because I know what I can still do and what my job is," added Pollock.

"But obviously no individual is bigger than South African cricket or the team and it is a decision of the captain and coach that I have to respect.

"Coach Mickey Arthur told me on Thursday that they wanted to go into the first Test with a different side and I won't be part of it.

"Mickey still feels I have a right to play especially in South Africa where pitches are more conducive. Personally I don't think my job on the flat subcontinent pitches is over.

"If the opportunity arises they might play me in the second Test. I will take it on a day-to-day basis.

"I will just have to make sure I perform up to standard and it is up to the selectors to take me for tours ahead."

Source: BBC Sport