Afridi scare for Pak

Afridi, who acts as a top-of-the-order pinch-hitter, retired hurt before torrential rain washed out the match after 10 overs.

He was struck just below the right elbow by a rearing delivery from 20-year-old England A paceman Steve Harmison.

8220;It8217;s badly bruised but he should be okay in three or four day8217;s,8221; coach Mushtaq Mohammad said. 8220;He8217;s a vital man for us because we also use him as a leg-spinner.8221;

He added the team was just as concerned about lack of practice due to the weather. 8220;We are extremely disappointed to have had so little play,8221; he said.

8220;It8217;s the second game we have had washed out and we are in desperate need of some match practice. Let8217;s hopeManchester has something better to offer.8221;

Pakistan face Lancashire on Wednesday in their final warm-up game and they are likely to include paceman Waqar Younis for the first time.

8220;He went over an ankle a few days ago and we decided to give him a proper rest,8221; said Mushtaq.