Hameed out, Razzaq back

Shoaib Malik is now expected to open the batting with Salman Butt in the first Test at the Gaddaffi Stadium, with Hameed already ruled out. One wouldn’t call it a dampener, but it looks like they will be forced to make a couple of changes once chief selector Wasim Bari, captain Inzamam-ul Haq and coach Bob Woolmer meet to pick the team.

The players have been putting in all their effort to maintain fitness and form, but rumours emitting from the Pak camp paint a different picture altogether. If Hameed being ruled out is a setback for Pakistan, the team is equally worried over the fitness of Yousuf Mohammad and Danish Kaneria, who have been suffering from severe cold.

The team management is, however, convinced that the two — vital components of the Pak line-up — will be fit in time.

Hameed’s successful stint against the Indians in 2004 will be on Pakistan’s mind, given his fascination for the Indian attack. In his absence now, Malik and Butt will be expected to keep the show going. The good news for Pakistan, though, is Imran Farhat’s return to form with a blazing century in the practice match on Sunday.

In fact, Hameed’s absence could turn out to be Farhat’s gain. Too young and equally talented to remain a Test discard, he gave the Indian pacers a lot to worry about — especially Zaheer Khan and RP Singh — when he lofted them all over the Jinnah park for his 107, inclusive of 16 fours and a six.

The only bowler who managed to trouble Farhat — in the batsman’s own words — was Irfan Pathan. ‘‘He was getting good swing and the deliveries kept coming in. Maybe the conditions, but it was difficult seeing him off,’’ says Farhat.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer is not ready to give away anything when it comes to the team composition that he expects.