Akhtar hospitalized for fatigue and fever, Gul fit

[Chandan]

Docs say he’s OK, the man says he’s not Rohit Mahajan, Hindustan Times New Delhi, November 29, 2007 First Published: 01:21 IST(29/11/2007) Last Updated: 02:15 IST(29/11/2007) “I am feeling quite sick and very weak,†said Shoaib Akhtar, speaking in an unusually feeble, raspy mumble as he was transferred back to the team hotel in Kolkata on Wednesday evening, after a 24-hour stay in hospital. The Apollo Gleneagles Hospital spokesperson --- where Akhtar was admitted on Tuesday evening with a severe chest infection --- declared on Wednesday that the star Pakistan paceman had shown great signs of improvement and that the infection was under control. But Akhtar himself sounded both unsure and stressed when quizzed over whether he would be absolutely fit for the second Test. “No, I really cannot say I am feeling better,†he told the Hindustan Times over phone from Kolkata, even though medically, according to doctors, he is better. Akhtar, who was on drip until the morning, was non-committal when asked if he would be in a position to lead the Pakistan bowling attack in the Eden Test, which begins on Friday. He said it would depend on how he felt on Thursday. “Let’s see how it goes,†he said, even while Pakistan team sources confirmed that they were extremely worried about what they would do if Akhtar were not fully fit. It would be a difficult decision to make. As things stand, even if he is given the go-ahead by doctors, Pakistan might opt to not play him if not fully fit, as there would be a question mark over whether he would be able to last out the game. “We are hoping that Shoaib will be fully fit,†said a senior Pakistani player, “if he’s not, things will be very difficult.†Yes, they would. Even with Akhtar bowling his heart out, Pakistan lost Delhi with almost a full day to space; without him, it could spell calamity in Kolkata.

[maggot_brain]

He's injured again! http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/indvpak/content/current/story/322735.html

[suma25]

India v Pakistan, 2nd Test, Kolkata Umar Gul to fly home after another injury Cricinfo staff November 29, 2007 Umar Gul, the Pakistan fast bowler, has broken down while training and will be sent home ahead of the second Test against India beginning in Kolkata on Friday. The team management have asked the Pakistan selectors to send a replacement by Thursday evening but nothing has been confirmed yet. Gul bowled at full steam in the nets on Wednesday and had apparently recovered from a back injury which had kept him out of the first Test in Delhi. The recurrence of Gul's injury is a severe blow to Pakistan's pace attack. Uncertainty remains over Shoaib Akhtar participation in the second Test. Shoaib, who was Pakistan's best bowler with six wickets in Delhi, was admitted to a hospital because of a fever and chest infection. He was discharged on Wednesday evening. There was a doubt over Mohammad Sami's fitness as well. Pakistan's other injury concerns included the captain Shoaib Malik, who was suffering from an ankle injury sustained while playing football after the Delhi Test. Malik had a Grade 1 problem with his right ankle and sat out of the practice session on Wednesday. More to follow. © Cricinfo

[fineleg]

NONE OF THE PLAYERS WANT TO CONTINUE THIS SERIES or what!??

[Chandan]

Arafat drafted in for Gul Kolkata, November 29, 2007 First Published: 17:51 IST(29/11/2007) Last Updated: 17:54 IST(29/11/2007) Pace bowing all-rounder Yasir Arafat is coming to replace injured speedster Umar Gul as the injury-hit Pakistan team struggles to raise 11 fit men for the second Test against India, starting here Friday, the chief selector said Thursday. While confirming that the Arafat will replace Gul, whose back problem recurred here, Salahuddin Ahmed, chairman of the Pakistani selection committee, said captain Shoaib Malik and speedster Mohammed Sami were also under close watch. "Yasir Arafat is coming to replace Gul and he could reach Kolkata just in time for the second Test," Ahmed, who is now in India, told IANS over phone. "As Arafat could not have obtained visa in such a short time he is reaching India via Dubai. He should be in Kolkata by 8 a.m. Friday," Ahmed, a former Test player, said. Arafat, 25, is yet to play a Test, but he has featured in seven One-Day Internationals and four Twenty20 International matches. Pakistan, trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, must win the second Test to stay afloat. Injuries/illness to Gul, Akhtar and Sami has left only three fully fit bowlers - left-arm pacer Sohail Tanveer, and spinners Abdul Rahman and Danish Kaneria. Ahmed said that Sami and Malik would not be sent back immediately. "No other player is being sent back home except Gul," he said. Akhtar and Sami did not even turn up for the practice session this morning. Gul, whom manager Talat Ali had declared "perfectly fit" Wednesday, again complained of back problem again at a net practice session at the Eden Gardens here Thursday. A decision to send him back to Pakistan was taken after practice session. Sami has a viral infection and Malik injured his ankle while playing football at the Kotla after Pakistan's six-wicket defeat in Delhi Monday. Malik looked helpless at the pre-match press conference. "Umar bowled flat out yesterday, but he felt pain again today and is being sent [home] for treatment," he said. "We don't have many options. We have to win this Test," Malik said. "It's a crucial Test, one we have to win," he said, underscoring his and his team's predicament. About his sore ankle, he said: "I did some jogging and walked a little. But I felt quite a lot of pain. I'll have another fitness test tomorrow morning and let's see what happens." On the pitch, he said: "It looks a good batting track, but later on it should take some turn."

[MundaPakistani]

Arafat drafted in for Gul Kolkata, November 29, 2007 First Published: 17:51 IST(29/11/2007) Last Updated: 17:54 IST(29/11/2007) Pace bowing all-rounder Yasir Arafat is coming to replace injured speedster Umar Gul as the injury-hit Pakistan team struggles to raise 11 fit men for the second Test against India, starting here Friday, the chief selector said Thursday. While confirming that the Arafat will replace Gul, whose back problem recurred here, Salahuddin Ahmed, chairman of the Pakistani selection committee, said captain Shoaib Malik and speedster Mohammed Sami were also under close watch. "Yasir Arafat is coming to replace Gul and he could reach Kolkata just in time for the second Test," Ahmed, who is now in India, told IANS over phone. "As Arafat could not have obtained visa in such a short time he is reaching India via Dubai. He should be in Kolkata by 8 a.m. Friday," Ahmed, a former Test player, said. Arafat, 25, is yet to play a Test, but he has featured in seven One-Day Internationals and four Twenty20 International matches. Pakistan, trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, must win the second Test to stay afloat. Injuries/illness to Gul, Akhtar and Sami has left only three fully fit bowlers - left-arm pacer Sohail Tanveer, and spinners Abdul Rahman and Danish Kaneria. "

So from the plane literally straight to the team bus and then straight in to the test match.

[zubinpepsi]

why Pakistant is reluctant to try some newbies.. what happnd to Anwar Ali?? why hesnt even been discussed?? n how about the other raw talunts???

[Chandan]

why Pakistant is reluctant to try some newbies.. what happnd to Anwar Ali?? why hesnt even been discussed?? n how about the other raw talunts???

As far as I know, Anwar Ali is not fully fit. But they had few other bowlers and one was supposed to be a very fast one. He had played in that Eurasia cup A tour too. Wonder what happened to that bowler (his name has just slipped from my memory). Faisal, do you know about other bowlers?

[Holysmoke]

So from the plane literally straight to the team bus and then straight in to the test match.

what if the plane is late? will pak take the field with 10 players????

[Bumper]

This is what i wrote of Gul yesterday.

Gul is known to rush from injuries. In the past his return has been short (he briefly returned only to aggravate his injury)

Exactly 24 hrs later, I hear Gull has reaggravated his injury!

[MundaPakistani]

As far as I know, Anwar Ali is not fully fit. But they had few other bowlers and one was supposed to be a very fast one. He had played in that Eurasia cup A tour too. Wonder what happened to that bowler (his name has just slipped from my memory). Faisal, do you know about other bowlers?

Najaf Shah, Anwar Ali, Akhtar Ayub , Jamsheed Ahmed and one or two others were all suppose to be ahead of S Tanvir in the pecking order. The only reason they picked Sohail was because of his hitting ability which could have been useful in the T20 world cup.PAK selectors have been safe/negative for a good 3 or 4 years now.

[Predator_05]

Najaf Shah' date=' Anwar Ali, Akhtar Ayub , Jamsheed Ahmed and one or two others were all suppose to be ahead of S Tanvir in the pecking order. The only reason they picked Sohail was because of his hitting ability which could have been useful in the T20 world cup.PAK selectors have been safe/negative for a good 3 or 4 years now.[/quote'] Bet still on, MP ?

[MundaPakistani]

what if the plane is late? will pak take the field with 10 players????

Got to really question what they were thinking. Gul had a back problem and was going to be doubtful for the test match. Akhtar was taken to the hospital so obviously he was doubtful. Malik had injured his ankle. Misbah had a fever. M Sami was unfit. all of this yet they didn't call for any replacements. So now they are stuck with a situation where only 1 fast bowler is fit enough to play(Tanvir) and he could be opening the bowling with A Rehman or D Kaneria.

[MundaPakistani]

Bet still on' date=' MP ?[/quote'] thankfully i told you to wait werna mera kaam hoo gaya tha.

[Anakin]

NONE OF THE PLAYERS WANT TO CONTINUE THIS SERIES or what!??

They know all too well about the thrashing coming up soon.