Former skipper Zaheer Abbas on Saturday gave thumbs-up to Pakistan Cricket Board for selecting the best available team for the forthcoming Test series against India.

"It is a good team. Cannot be better than that," he told Geo TV in Islamabad while reacting to the announcement of 16-member squad for the three Tests and six one-dayers by the PCB.

The PCB recalled young opener Taufeeq Umar [Images] and veteran spinner Arshad Khan for the high-profile series.

There were hardly any surprises as Pakistan cricket selectors decided to more or less retain the squad that was whitewashed 3-0 in the recent Test series against Australia.

Paceman Mohammad Sami [Images] and Mohammad Khalil were retained after they passed fitness tests.

Abbas, who played 78 Tests in his 15-year career, was also happy that off-spinner Arshad Khan's exploits in the domestic events were rewarded.

"Arshad made a comeback into the team. He may do well in India, as the wickets there are spinner friendly. But a lot depend on how well he bowls," he said.

Asked whether the removal of Yousuf Youhana as vice-captain and appointment of Younis Khan in his place was to groom a future captain, Abbas said before becoming captain, Younis first needs to cement his place in the team.

"He has not cemented his place yet in the team. Captain is the one who has permanent place in the team," he said.