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| February 10, 2003 | Monday | Zul Hijjah 8,1423 |
Saeed likely to miss Aussie tie
JOHANNESBURG, Feb 9: Pakistan’s experienced left-handed opener Saeed Anwar is likely to miss the all-important World Cup Group ‘A’ clash against Australia on Tuesday.
Saeed, hit on the elbow by a Shoaib Akhtar thunderbolt in the nets, has not recovered fully from the injury and the team management is unlikely to gamble with him.
Pakistan contingent arrived from Cape Town on Sunday afternoon after attending the opening ceremony at Newlands and had a practice session at the Wanderers later in the afternoon.
Apart from Saeed, all players seemed fit and eager to take on everybody’s favourites Australia, in a match that could be a forerunner to the final result of the World Cup.
Saeed’s absence could be a big blow for Pakistan as he is no doubt a class act in his own, especially when considering the openers have not done too well in recent outings.
Saeed’s likely replacement is Saleem Elahi. The right-hander is expected to open the innings with the flamboyant Shahid Afridi with utility all-rounder Abdul Razzaq once again filling the vital number three slot.
On the contrary, the Australians who too turned up for practice appeared confident and have no injury problems. Spin magician Shane Warne is certain to play as he has recovered from injury and raring to go at the Pakistani batsmen in his last World Cup.
Although both camps are confident of winning, the bookmakers here have installed Australia as firm favourites to beat Pakistan.
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