November 18, 2007	Sunday	Ziqa’ad 07, 1428

KARACHI, Nov 17: Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif has failed to recover from an elbow injury and will miss the Test series in India, Pakistan cricket’s chief selector said on Friday.

“He (Asif) is still struggling with his elbow injury and is going to be sent to Australia for a complete check-up and rehabilitation process,” chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said on Friday.

“He will leave in a week’s time and hopefully he will be fit before our next important series. Asif’s absence from the Indian tour has been a setback for the team.”

Asif’s absence will trouble Pakistan. He has been the lead strike bowler over the last 18 months, but a troublesome elbow has held back his progress in recent months.

He is due to travel to Australia next week for another opinion on his injury, after two doctors offered conflicting advice: one suggested surgery, while the other said he needed proper rest and medication.—Agencies