Shoaib leaves hospital

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was released from hospital on Friday after being kept in overnight for blood tests and a stomach scan.

Shoaib, not selected for the current second and final Test against England at Old Trafford, fell ill on Thursday, complaining of a fever.

Team manager Yawar Saeed said the blood tests had been negative and he had been allowed to rejoin the squad after the scan on Friday morning.

"He would not have been allowed out if it was serious but I haven't yet got all the details from the scan," Saeed said.

Shoaib, among the fastest bowlers in the world, missed the start of the tour to England after failing a medical following stomach problems.

His recent career has been plagued by injuries as well as a controversy over his bowling which ended with him remodelling his action after he was reported for throwing earlier this year.

Pakistan play in a triangular one-day series also involving Australia after the second test. Saeed said he was sure Shoaib would be fit for the one-dayers and no replacement would be sought.

The fast bowler played in the first test, won by England by an innings, before being dropped on Thursday in favour of off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.

Mail Cricket Editor