June 29, 2006	Thursday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 2, 1427

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LAHORE, June 28: The chances of medium-pacer Rana Navedul Hasan of joining the Pakistan team before the second Test against England has brightened as his doctor in England allowed him to start bowling after two weeks.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director Cricket Operations Saleem Altaf told journalists on Wednesday that Naved's doctor had confirmed that the bowler had been recovering satisfactorily from the groin injury and there was no need of surgery.

Naved could start running after ten days and bowling after two weeks, Saleem said.

The second Test will be held at Manchester from July 27 to 31.

Pakistan has already reached in England to play four Tests and five ODIs, one Twenty20 game against England, besides side matches.

The director said that in case of surgery Naved could have been ruled out for the entire tour but thank God the bowler was on the right track of recovery with rest and medicines.

Naved suffered with the groin injury while playing county cricket in England. But the national selectors selected the unfit bowler, despite the fact he was suffering with groin problems.

The medium pacer returned from England to join the national training camp for the second phase in Lahore early this month but he could not start training due to severe pain.

The PCB sent back Naved to England for treatment where doctors expressed apprehension the bowler could have a surgery.

Meanwhile, Saleem said the PCB advised Shoaib Akhtar to visit a specialist within two days to get fresh updates about his injured left ankle.

The PCB was doing all efforts to make Shoaib available for at least some part of the tour, he said.

Shoaib had not been selected in the 16-member team announced for the tour due to injuries.