November 29, 2007	Thursday	Ziqa’ad 18, 1428

KOLKATA, Nov 28: Pakistan’s fiery paceman Shoaib Akhtar, who had been admitted to a local hospital here on Tuesday afternoon after complaints of dehydration and chest congestion, was discharged on Wednesday and was resting at the team’s hotel, though still feeling extremely weak.

“He is much better. He had a good rest and the fever has subsided. The infection is very much within control and the soreness in the throat is also gone, so we have decided to release him,” said Apollo Gleneagles medical director Dr V.R. Ramannan.

The decision was taken after the attending doctor Shyamasish Banerjee examined Shoaib and was satisfied with his progress. “He has been advised a night’s rest and to continue with the medicines. He can gradually start normal activities from tomorrow,” he said.

Shoaib was admitted to the Maharaja suite of the hospital with fever on Tuesday. The tearaway bowler has been advised to drink plenty of water as his body was dehydrated.

Asked whether Shoaib would be able to play in the second Test against India starting from Friday, Ramannan said, “We all want him to play. He is a strong man. But ultimately the decision rests with the physio and the team management.”

According to sources close to the Pakistan squad, Shoaib’s condition hasn’t improved much. He has been considerably weakened by high fever and cough and the prospects of his leading the bowling attack were slim.

The sources further said that it would be miraculous if Shoaib does play in the Kolkata Test because bowling fast was a demanding task, especially in the Indian conditions.