November 27, 2007	Tuesday	Ziqa’ad 16, 1428

NEW DELHI, Nov 26: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik is in danger of missing the second Test in Kolkata after injuring his ankle in a freaky incident moments after India won the first Test at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground here on Monday.

According to the Pakistan team management, Malik twisted his left ankle while playing football during practice after the match finished.

Dr Ahsan Malik, the Pakistan team media manager, said Malik’s injury is not serious.

“The MRI scans show that Malik has suffered a first-grade strain on his left ankle which has been strapped to minimise further damage to the ligaments,” he told Dawn. “However, the injury will be reassessed in three days’ time before it would be determined whether Malik is fit enough to play in the second Test.”

Meanwhile, Umar Gul’s prospects of playing some part in the ongoing Test series has brightened after the MRI reports on the pace bowler’s back failed to detect any serious injury.

“Umar’s injury is not as serious as it was first thought. We have received the reports of the MRI scans which had been sent to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical panel for assessment. The reports have cleared him of serious injury,” Ahsan said.

“Umar has already resumed training in the last couple of days. And since his fitness is being monitored it can be said with certainty that he would be fit enough to play at the moment.”