Injured Gul to return home

KOLKATA (India)—Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul will return home because of back trouble and the injury-hit side have called for replacements before the second test against India starting on Friday, skipper Shoaib Malik said.
“Gul is going back,” Malik told reporters on Thursday. “He bowled all out yesterday at practice, but felt pain today, so he is being sent back. We’ve called for replacements and given the selectors a few options. We’re hoping they will reach today.”
Gul, 23, missed the first test due to the injury. Malik is also doubtful for the match due to an ankle injury picked up while playing soccer on Monday after India won the first test by six wickets. “I walked and jogged but felt pain,” he said. “I’ll take a fitness test tomorrow and decide.”
Strike bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami also did not bowl at the nets for the second consecutive day due to chest infections, but Malik said both were recovering well. With in-form batsman Misbah-ul-Haq also recovering from a viral infection, the visitors are struggling to put up a fit starting 11 as they bid to stave off a resurgent India intent on sealing a rare series victory against their archrivals at home.
Of the available bowlers in the 15-man squad only left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir and spinners Danish Kaneria and Abdur Rehman are in shape to play. India last won a test series against Pakistan at home in 1979-80. “This is an opportunity for us to set the record straight,” India captain Anil Kumble told reporters.
“It seems to be a decent wicket and it should play well. But it is for us to take the momentum from Kotla (venue of the first test in New Delhi) and ensure that we turn the screws on early.” The final test will be played in Bangalore. Fast bowler Umar Gul will return home after failing to recover from a back injury, adding to Pakistan’s fitness problems on the eve of the crucial second Test against India here on Thursday.
Pakistan, seeking to avoid their first Test series loss in India in more than two decades, were racing against time to find 11 fit players following injuries and illness in their 15-man squad. Pakistan’s last Test series defeat in India came in 1980. They trail 1-0 in the three-match series following their six-wicket loss in the opening game in New Delhi on Monday.
Ace paceman Shoaib Akhtar is still recovering from a chest infection, skipper Shoaib Malik from an ankle injury, and batsman Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowler Mohammad Sami from viral infections. “We have too many fitness problems in the team at the moment. I felt pain while jogging. I will have one more fitness test on Friday before I decide anything,” said Malik, who was injured playing football after the first match.
“Gul bowled at the nets, but he felt pain. He needs treatment and that’s why he is going home. We need four specialist bowlers for a Test match. I hope we will be able to manage it.” Malik said Akhtar was still under treatment and it was too early to say whether he would be available for the match.
Akhtar was the lone Pakistani bowler to trouble India in the opening match as he finished with six wickets, including four in the second innings. Gul has so far bagged 67 wickets in 16 Tests. Pakistan now have only three fit bowlers — spinners Danish Kaneria and Abdur Rehman, and seamer Sohail Tanvir, who has only played one Test.
“We have no option but to win this Test, but we are struggling with fitness problems. These are difficult times for us. We just hope the players will recover in time,” said the Pakistani captain. “We have given options (for replacements) to selectors. It’s up to them to decide who to send.”
India captain Anil Kumble vowed the turn the heat on the tourists, saying his team would like to wrap up the series with a second successive victory. “It’s important for us to maintain the momentum we gained in the previous match and turn the screws.—Agencies