Karachi: Pakistan chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed believes the team should have been prepared for the bowl out against India in the Twenty20 cricket World Cup.

Reacting to comments by captain Shoaib Malik that his team was not prepared for the bowl out , Salahuddin said in international cricket teams should be prepared for all circumstances before they go into a match.

"I just feel we should have been mentally prepared for the bowl out as apparently the Indians did. Non the less we fought well in the end, but not winning the match after having two balls to score just one run was disappointing," Salahuddin said on Pakistan's defeat to arch-rivals India yesterday.

The former Test player said the selectors were closely watching the development and performances of some young and reserve players in the World Cup as well in the ongoing home series against Australia A.

"We have started our preparations for the coming Test series against South Africa and India and definitely we are looking at several options," he added.

Salahuddin said if senior players like Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq or Shoaib Akhtar were made available for selection by the cricket board they would be serious contenders to play in Test matches.

"But their availability is something for the board to decide. We will only consider those players who are cleared for selection."