LONDON, June 20: English county Sussex have hit back at Inzamamul Haq over claims that over-bowling had contributed to an injury which threatens to rule seamer Rana Navedul Hasan out of Pakistan’s upcoming tour of England.

Naved is doubtful for the four-Test tour after suffering a serious groin injury during an impressive start to the county season with Sussex.

That prompted a critical reaction from Pakistan skipper Inzamam, who was quoted as saying Naved had been used “excessively” by the county and not allowed to rest properly.“Teams have to use fast bowlers very intelligently to avoid any burn-outs or injuries,” Inzaman said.

Reports of that comment brought an angry reaction from Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson on Tuesday.

“I'm sure Naved would say how much his game has expanded and improved during his time with us,” Robinson said.

“In terms of the volume of overs bowled he only averaged 16.5 an innings, which equates to two spells, hardly overuse. In one-day cricket he averaged just over eight overs a game.

“The captain and management at Sussex have always been aware of the value of Naved, not only to Sussex but to Pakistan, and we have done all we can to ensure he stayed fit and well during his time with us.

“At the time of his injury we immediately withdrew him from all bowling, the groin was scanned and we gave him the best medical attention possible.”—AFP