MULTAN, Sept 2: Saqlain Mushtaq said on Tuesday he was glad to be back in the national team after a lapse of almost six months.

The off-spinner was among the eight players who were overlooked after Pakistan’s first round exit at the World Cup in southern Africa last March.

But with Shoaib Akhtar unavailable for the third and final Test, the selectors had decided to recall the 26-year-old for his first Test in eight months.

“I am very happy to be playing for Pakistan again after such a long time. It’s always an honour to represent your country, Saqlain told Dawn on Tuesday.

“I was never concerned about being recalled because I knew I was always likely to play since I never felt being away from the team”, the spinner, who has taken 205 wickets in 47 Tests, said.

“To me country comes first and I’m pleased to be back” said Saqlain who returned from London on Monday after another successful season with Surrey.