Injury Blues alarming Pakistan team ahead of second Test

Nov 28:  The only good news for Pakistan side is that seamer Umar Gul had fully recovered from the back injury, which kept him out of the Delhi Test and ready to make a strong comeback.

Down with 0-1 in the three-match Test series Pakistan team is on the one hand fighting to stage a comeback in the ongoing series while on the other hand they are facing major predicament, as most of his crucial players are facing injury or health related problems ahead of second Test match starting in Kolkata on Friday.

Latest to join the bandwagon of unfit players is Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar, the only bowler who intimidated Indian batting line-up in the Delhi Test.

According to Ehsan Malik, Pakistan team’s media manager, “The doctor diagnosed a chest infection and said it was advisable to put Shoaib on injectible antibiotics and intravenous fluids. He has been admitted to the hospital.”

Ehsan Malik hoped that the fast bowler, Pakistan’s bowling spearhead in the Delhi Test with six wickets, would be discharged on Wednesday.

“Shoaib had fever in Delhi On Monday. He was feeling weak on arrival here. He will be kept under observation till Wednesday.”

Earlier Shoaib Malik hurt his ankle while playing football soon after losing the Delhi Test. “Though it is a minimal injury and does not seem to be serious and he should be okay in a few days,” said Ehsan.

Misbah-ul-Haq didn’t come on the field except for batting, after the first day of the opening Test, due to a throat infection in is on the recovery process.

Mohammad Sami is also sick but his condition is stable while opener Salman Butt, the second-innings highest scorer, is suffering from sore throat.

A spokesman for Apollo Gleneagles Hospital said Akhtar had complained of breathing trouble, with cough and fever. The spokesman also said that doctors have prescribed several antibiotics for the Pakistan seamer.

“All three cricketers were examined by doctors and they are okay, but Akhtar will take a few days to recover,” he added. He said that “there is nothing to worry about the three players and they should be fine with rest.”

The only good news for Pakistan team is that seamer Umar Gul had recovered from the back injury that kept him out of the Delhi Test. He might replace Mohammad Sami to add punch in the pace attack.

There is still two more days left before the start of the second Test and hopefully things will turn fine in Pakistan’s favour in the coming days.