Injuries plague Pakistan team ahead of second test match: n injury-plagued Pakistan faces a daunting task of squaring the test series against India in the second test to begin at Eden Gardens on Friday.
Fast bowler Umar Gul is being sent back to Pakistan after his troublesome back flared up again, while skipper Shoaib Malik and pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami remain doubtful for the second test of the three-match series.
India leads 1-0 after winning the first test match in New Delhi by six wickets earlier this week. India is chasing its first home test series win against Pakistan for 28 years.
"Umar Gul bowled at the net yesterday, but is troubled by back spasms. The team management has decided to send him back," Malik said.
"We've spoken to the selectors and sought a replacement," he said.
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Malik himself has not had any practice during the past few days, after spraining his ankle during a training session in New Delhi after the first test match.
"I went through a fitness test this morning. It did not go well, so I'll go through another test tomorrow morning and then decide if I can play or not," said Malik.
Pakistan pace bowlers Akhtar and Sami have chest infections. Both skipped practice for two days and must also pass fitness tests on Friday morning.
Akhtar was hospitalized for a day after complaining of chest pain on his arrival from New Delhi on Wednesday.
Malik said the Eden Gardens pitch appeared to be a good batting track that would assist spinners as the match proceeds.
India skipper Anil Kumble exuded confidence about his team clinching the series in Calcutta.
"We'll be looking to carry the momentum from New Delhi into the second test," Kumble said. "We're hoping to cash on this opportunity to win the series."
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