January 24, 2006	Tuesday	Zilhaj 23, 1426

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FAISALABAD, Jan 23: Pakistan had two substitutes out on the field throughout the third day’s play on Monday in the absence of Inzamamul Haq and Shoaib Malik for different reasons.

While Inzamam has pulled out of the ongoing Test with a recurrence of a chronic back injury, for which he had been advised complete rest for a week, Malik left for Sialkot late on Sunday to be at his critically-ill father’s bedside.

In fact, the Pakistan team management had officially released Malik from match duties because the doctors had advised the all-rounder’s family to call him home as soon as possible. A team official admitted that it would be impossible for Malik to rejoin his teammates in Faisalabad.

“Shoaib is very close to his father and we all feel for him while praying for his father’s recovery. We can understand how Shoaib is feeling and what he is going through right now,” the official commented.

Pakistan’s dressing-room gave a deserted look on Monday since reserve players Imran Farhat and Mohammad Sami were substituting for the Malik and Inzamam while Rana Navedul Hasan had not yet arrived from Lahore.

He was expected here this evening after consulting a specialist in Lahore to find out whether a shoulder problem would force him out of the third and final Test in Karachi.

The 27-year-old paceman, an integral member of the current side, was ruled of the second Test after he felt the same pain in his bowling shoulder which bothered him during last year’s tour of India.