Pak recall three players from New Zealand

Pakistan have recalled three players, including injured fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, from their New Zealand tour, a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman said on Thursday.

Pakistan lost the fifth and final one-day international in Dunedin on Wednesday, giving New Zealand a 3-2 victory in the series before a three-test series starts in Auckland on March 8.

All-rounder Shahid Afridi, who scored 65 runs off 55 balls in Wednesday's four-wicket loss, and opening batsman Imran Nazir will return with Akhtar.

Middle-order batsman Younis Khan, wicket-keeper Humayun Farhat and off-spinner Arshad Khan have already been sent out as replacements.

Pakistan had said before the tour they would name up to three replacements for the test series after the one-day series and Akhtar was named for the first half of the tour.

Akhtar left the field for treatment on a hamstring injury on Wednesday. Pakistan officials in New Zealand said that the injury meant the bowler could take no part in the forthcoming test series.

Akhtar has also been cited by umpires Doug Cowie and Steve Dunne for a suspect bowling action, the second time his action has been reported.

He served a four-week suspension after being reported in the third test against Australia in Perth in December 1999 before before being allowed to resume his career in a limited-overs series in Australia.

Pakistan cricket authorities said they would seek the opinions of former top fast bowlers such as Michael Holding, Jeff Thomson and Imran Khan on Akhtar's bowling action.

A Pakistan spokesman said it was possible that another fast bowler, likely to be young Fazl-e-Akbar, would be sent to New Zealand to bolster the attack.

Veterans Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and uncapped Mohammad Sami are still on the tour.

"The decision on an additional paceman is expected in the next 48 hours," the spokesman said.

Mail Cricket Editor