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Shoaib Akhtar doubtful for second Test against India?

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

NEW DELHI: Pakistani fast bowler Shaoib Akhtar was hospitalised Tuesday with a chest infection ahead of the second Test against India, an Indian news agency reported.

Shoaib Akhtar, who led Pakistan's attack against the hosts during their first Test match in New Delhi, was taken to a hospital in Kolkata city, the news agency said.

He was the most impressive Pakistani bowler, taking six wickets in the first match.

Shoaib, who had a high temperature, has been diagnosed with a chest infection, Pakistan team media manager Ehsan Malik told reporters.

"The doctor diagnosed a chest infection and said it was advisable to put him on injectible antibiotics and intravenous fluids. He has been admitted to the hospital," Malik said.

It was not immediately known whether the paceman would play in the second Test starting in Kolkata on Friday.

It is the latest concern for Pakistan who have skipper Shoaib Malik nursing an ankle injury suffered during a football game after Pakistan’s defeat in New Delhi.

Batsman Misbah-ul Haq is recovering from a fever and throat infection.

However, seam bowler Umar Gul has recovered from a back problem which kept him out in Delhi and is available for Kolkata.

Pakistan will be desperate to have both men fit as they bid to stop India winning their first home series against their neighbours since 1979-80.

Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf are the likeliest men to step in if Pakistan require a stand-in captain, but the PCB is confident Malik will be fit to play.

Pakistan trail 1-0 in the three-Test series following their six-wicket defeat in the opening match.

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