Pakistan captain Malik doubtful for second Test

After a scan on Monday the Pakistan management were optmistic that Malik would play but his ankle was still heavily strapped on Wednesday and he did not take part in practice.

8220;He8217;s nursing an ankle injury. It will take time,8221; Pakistan manager Talat Ali said. 8220;He8217;ll have a fitness test tomorrow.8221;

Ali said Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who took six wickets in the first Test, was recovering from a viral infection. Akhtar stayed in hospital overnight after complaining of fatigue caused by fever.

8220;He has recovered very well,8221; Ali said. 8220;Hopefully he will be at practice tomorrow.8221;

Fast bowler Umar Gul has also recovered from the back injury that forced him out of the first Test.