Injuries further intensifies problems for Pakistan in England
Pakistan, who had an awful first two Tests against England, were further handicapped when their highest run-scorer Zulqarnain Haider was injured during Pakistan’s side match against Worcester. Haider is in danger of missing the third Test. It comes as a shock for Pakistan as Haider was the only positive for Pakistan in the second Test. With Pakistan’s recognized batsmen failing to make impact and with Zulqarnain Haider’s exclusion, Pakistan is certain to fail once again in the upcoming Test. Pakistan will play third Test on August 18 at the Oval.
Zulqarnain Haider was phenomenal in the second Test as he scored his first half-century in the second innings of his maiden Test under immense pressure. He injured his finger during Pakistan’s side match and is in danger of missing the third Test. However, he is scheduled to meet a finger specialist when Pakistan team reaches London on Sunday. After the assessment, team management will take a decision regarding the fate of Zulqarnain Haider for the rest of the series. Team management could either retain him or send him back in return for replacement. Talking to reporters about Zulqarnain Haider’s injury, Pakistan’s manager Yawar Saeed said, “He picked up a hairline fracture to his little finger. We don't know yet if he will stay but we will wait for to hear from the specialist.”
Zulqarnain Haider debuted in a shaky manner, as he was on the verge of earning the unwanted honour of getting http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-King-c41197 pair in the last Test, but fought back as he scored determined 88 in the second innings. However he aggravated his injury, which he picked up during a training session of the Leeds Test against Australia, in a warm-up match against Worcester on Thursday. X-ray at a local hospital in Worcester revealed a minor fracture to the bone in the finger. Haider was also very impressive with his wicket-keeping in the second Test. Haider was brought in place of Kamran Akmal after the latter was removed for regularly committing serious mistakes. Haider was praised by pundits for his technical capability behind stumps despite dropping some catches behind the wicket. In case Haider is declared unfit, then Kamran Akmal will return to the national side.
On the other hand, Pakistan team management has decided against calling any replacement for injured Umar Gul. Umar Gul was injured during the second Test at Edgbaston. He suffered a hamstring injury during the match. Commenting on it, Yawar Saeed said, “We have two back up pace bowlers, Tanvir Ahmed and Wahab Riaz in the touring squad and either one of them can replace Gul for the remaining Tests. Presently, he has been advised rest for up to three weeks but we will know the correct position next week on how much more time his recovery will take.”
Pakistan touring squad consists of 17 players. Tanvir Ahmed and Wahab Riaz are with the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 but are yet to play a Test in England. Commenting on team selection, Yawar Saeed said, “The tour selectors will decide who will play but for now we are not asking for a replacement as Gul is also due to have another scan on August 18.”
Gul’s availability for future will only be ascertained after his scan. It will confirm whether Gul will play the upcoming T20’s and five ODIs against England next month or not. Reportedly, Gul has ruptured his muscle in the thigh region while bowling in England’s first innings. Despite injury, he batted freely but with assistance from runner. Gul has been plagued by injuries this year as he missed ICC World Twenty20 and Asia Cup due to injuries. However, chief selector http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Khan-c71319 Afridi will reach England during the third Test to finalise the limited-overs squad. Current injuries further hamper Pakistan’s chances of coming back into the series. Captain Salman Butt now needs nothing less than a miracle to save Pakistan from clutches of defeat against England.
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