By Qaiser Mohammad Ali, IANS
Kolkata : The medical bulletin from the Pakistani camp seemed to be more encouraging Tuesday. Pace bowler Umar Gul was declared fit to play the second Test against India, starting at the Eden Gardens Friday, while Shoaib Akhtar was expected to be discharged from a local hospital late Wednesday following improvement in his condition.
Team manager Talat Ali told reporters at the Eden Gardens that Gul was “perfectly fit” and pointed out that the pace man had a stint in the nets this afternoon. Gul missed the first Test with a back problem.
Akhtar developed a chest infection after Pakistan’s six-wicket defeat in Delhi Monday and was admitted to Apollo Gleneagles Hospital on arrival here with the team Tuesday.
Pakistan captain Shoaib Mailk was, however, still limping. He twisted an ankle while playing football at the Feroze Shah Kotla Stadium after the first Test Monday.
“Malik would undergo a fitness test tomorrow,” Ali said.
Ali also said Akhtar would have nets tomorrow, provided he is fit enough to bowl after the illness.
The Pakistani team had nets, watched by coach Geoff Lawson and at the other end of the stadium the Indians practised.
India lead the three-match series 1-0. The third match will be played in Bangalore Dec 8.