Shoaib and Harbhajan doubtful

Both India and Pakistan have major injury woes as they enter the second match of the current One Day International series. Neither Harbhajan Singh nor Shoaib Akhtar played in the first ODI of the series, and Pakistan went on to win the match by 7 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis system. The Indian offspinner and Pakistani spearhead now seem unlikely to be fit for the second game, to be played in Rawalpindi on February 11.

Though Harbhajan (bruised spinning finger) participated briefly in a net session and fielding drills on Thursday, he did not bowl. Further concerns for India see the illness of coach Greg Chappell and seamer Sreesanth, both of whom are suffering with symptoms described as “feverish”.

Akhtar’s ankle injury first acted up in Lahore against England last year, but he continued playing and participated in all three Tests against India. He had never played six consecutive Tests before the streak, and looked to have matured as a bowler and a leader of the attack. Akhtar was omitted from the squad for the first ODI on the basis of Pakistan’s rotation policy as well as the selectors’ desire to grant him rest. He was then forced off the field with a limp after bowling during a Pakistan practice session, and the concerns return to his injury.

Pakistan will look to win their third consecutive match against the Indian tourists when they take the field at Rawalpindi. The hosts won the Test series 1-0 and leads the five-game ODI series 1-0.