Not many 36-year-olds get given another opportunity to star at the highest level and there was surprise in some quarters when the Hampshire off-spinner was included in England's squad for their three Test tour of Pakistan a decade after he played the last of 10 one-day internationals for his country.
But Udal, after a few faltering seasons, has been in fine form in recent years and last term took 44 first-class wickets at a meagre average of just over 18 apiece as Hampshire finished runners-up in the County Championship.
Playing alongside Australia leg-spin great Shane Warne has helped re-invigorate his career and now the 6ft 2" Udal could form a spin partnership with left-armer Ashley Giles, usually England's lone specialist slow bowler, on Pakistan's traditionally turning pitches.