Weakened Pakistan send replacements to England

Saturday July 15, 04:15 PM

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Opener Taufeeq Umar and paceman Rao Iftikhar are to join Pakistan's injury-depleted squad in England after the tourists decided to send home all rounder Shoaib Malik and fast bowler Mohammad Asif.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Abbas Zaidi told Reuters on Saturday that the replacements were being flown to Britain within the next 24 hours to strengthen the side for the remaining three tests of the four-match series.

"There have been some unexpected injuries to the team and as a result of which, Malik and Asif are returning home," Zaidi said.

"The management has asked the selectors to send these replacements."

Asif, who has taken 25 wickets in five tests, and Malik missed the first test at Lord's with elbow injuries, which Zaidi said had turned out to be more serious then earlier diagnosed.

"They will return home for rest and treatment," he said.

Zaidi added that Malik was still feeling the effects of elbow surgery underwent earlier this year in South Africa to help correct a bowling action that had been reported twice since October 2004.

Left arm paceman Samiullah Niazi was already sent to England as back-up to a weakened Pakistan bowling attack missing leading quick bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who was ruled out of the tour because of a stress fracture to his ankle.

Paceman Rana Naved, who has enjoyed a lot of success with English county Sussex, suffered a groin injury after initially being announced in the touring squad and doctors have now advised him to rest for up to four weeks.

Also missing the first test is vice captain Younis Khan who is struggling with a knee injury.

Rao Iftikhar has played in one test and 18 one-day internationals while Taufeeq has appeared in 24 tests and 19 one-dayers, his last match coming against India in March 2005.

Going into the third day at Lord's on Saturday, Pakistan will resume on 66 for three wickets in reply to England's first innings total of 528-9 declared.

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