Hafeez in doubt for second New Zealand Test

Published November 16, 2014
Mohammad Hafeez. — AFP/File
Mohammad Hafeez. — AFP/File

DUBAI: Pakistan may have to play with two new openers in the second Test against New Zealand starting in Dubai from Monday, after all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez suffered a hamstring injury and was listed as doubtful.

Hafeez scored an unbeaten hundred in the first Test in Abu Dhabi which Pakistan won by 248 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Team manager Moin Khan said Hafeez was doubtful for the match. “As of today Hafeez is doubtful and we are assessing his hamstring injury and will take a final call on him on Monday,” Khan said.

In addition to his batting, Hafeez gives Pakistan an option of a fifth bowler with his off-spin. But his action also came under scrutiny after it was reported as suspect during the first Test by match officials.

Hafeez has 21 days to undergo a bio-mechanic analysis of his action but during this period he is allowed to bowl in international cricket.

Pakistan is already without in-form opener Ahmed Shehzad who scored a career-best 176 in the first Test but was ruled out of the last two matches after suffering a minor skull fracture on being hit by a Corey Anderson bouncer.

Experienced opener Taufeeq Umar will likely replace Shehzad and if Hafeez is also missing, Shan Masood is expected to fill in.

Opinion

Editorial

Plugging the gap
06 May, 2024

Plugging the gap

IN Pakistan, bias begins at birth for the girl child as discriminatory norms, orthodox attitudes and poverty impede...
Terrains of dread
Updated 06 May, 2024

Terrains of dread

Restored faith in the police is unachievable without political commitment and interprovincial support.
Appointment rules
Updated 06 May, 2024

Appointment rules

If the judiciary had the power to self-regulate, it ought to have exercised it instead of involving the legislature.
Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....