Sami says he’ll be fit for first Test match
From our correspondent
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s young pace bowler Mohammad Sami said on Wednesday he had no major groin problem, which is said to have ruled him out of the first Test against England from November 12 in Multan.
Responding to reports that he was ruled out of the first Test, Sami said he had also informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he just a niggling groin problem which was not a serious one and he would be okay in time for the Test.
Director Cricket Operations Saleem Altaf also confirmed that the Board had spoken to Sami after reading the media reports and were told he was okay.
"Sami says it is nothing serious. He has had an ultrasound to confirm the gravity of the groin problem and nothing has shown up. He is resting and there are still ten days to go before the first Test," Altaf said.
Asked about reports that all-rounder Abdul Razzaq might also miss the entire Test series against England due to his elbow injury, Altaf said Razzaq had in fact told the Board he had stopped feeling pain in his elbow which was causing him problems.
"The team trainer and physio and our Board doctor are keeping a watch on Razzaq and in fact today he said he was feeling better. He will have a final check-up later today (Wednesday) after which we will know his correct fitness position."
Razzaq was initially ruled out of the first Test due to his elbow problem but coach Bob Woolmer said the problem had been diagnosed and he was undergoing remedial treatment.
"I don’t think he should miss more than one Test. But anything can happen. I can’t say anything for certain."
Sources close to the Pakistan team said in fact Razzaq was now trying to get fit for the first Test as Woolmer and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq were keen to have him in the playing eleven for the first Test.
A cricket analyst made the valid point that after all-rounder Yasir Arafat’s sterling bowling performance against England in the Rawalpindi tour match, Razzaq if he can help it, would certainly try to get fit even for the first Test leave alone missing the entire series Yasir, it is common knowledge, has not found a place in the Pakistan team due to the presence of Razzaq, an experienced performer in whom understandably the captain, coach and selectors have more faith.
