LAHORE, June 23: Uncapped left-arm medium-pacer Samiullah Niazi would replace injured Rana Navedul Hasan in England, Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq said on Friday.

Shoaib Akhtar was the second choice but was not selected as doctors advised him to rest.

"Doctors did not allow Shoaib to start bowling so Samiullah will go to England as the 16th player," Inzamam said.

Naved is currently in England for check-up and probably needs surgery to get rid of groin injury.

The skipper said leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed was also considered to replace Rana but preference was given to Samiullah due to suitable English conditions for fast bowlers.

Inzamam was hopeful that Shoaib Akhtar would regain fitness before start of the second Test and join the team.

He said a tough competition was expected in the series even though both the teams were facing injuries.