Related Link : Pakistan’s Tour of India
The visiting Pakistan side has been badly hit with fitness worries to its key players ahead of the second test at Kolkata. Till yesterday, there was positive news of Umar Gul getting fit for the Kolkata match but today came the news that he has injured his back during training. The Pakistani team management has decided to send Umar Gul back home and is seeking a replacement by evening.
It’s not just about Umar Gul. Captain Shoaib Malik had injured his ankle during a game of football in Delhi after the first test and he is a doubtful starter for tomorrow’s Test. Malik is still feeling the pain in his ankle and is going to face a fitness test on the morning of the test match. There is also news that Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami haven’t had a bowl in the nets so far. Shoaib Akhtar was in the hospital after arriving in Kolkata after suffering from fever. He was discharged after spending more than 24 hours in the hospital and was diagnosed with a chest infection. Shoaib bowled his heart out during the first test but he could only bowl in short spells which helped India a lot.
Mohammad Sami and Misbah-ul-Haq, the man in form for Pakistan are having viral fever adding up to the team’s woes. The Indians have also lost two of its resources in Sreesanth and RP Singh, who have been ruled out of the first two Tests. Wicket Keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has a troublesome ankle since the Jaipur One Dayer. Dhoni had to take the support of an ankle brace during the first Test. Meanwhile everything seems to be happening at Kolkata with a tight three layered security provided at the Eden Gardens. This was after an anonymous email was sent to a private TV Channel mentioning that Kolkata will be bombarded with bombs if Pakistan play the Test Match there.
Yasir Arafat named as replacement for Umar Gul
Skiddy fast medium bowler Yasir Arafat has been named as the replacement for the injured Umar Gul. Arafat is only expected to join the team in Kolkata in the morning of the Test Match as he has to travel via Dubai. It will be a sensation if he gets into the Test Match straightaway. The 25-year-old Yasir Arafat hasn’t played Test Cricket yet but he has been in and out of the One Day Side in the last few years and has also played county cricket for Scotland and Kent.