An already depleted Pakistan outfit is now being dogged by a fresh spurt of injuries ahead of the crucial second Test, although they aren’t too serious. Incidentally, the victims this time round are their key performers from the first Test — Misbah-ul Haq and Shoaib Akhtar.Akhtar was admitted to a hospital. The Pak pacer, who was running a high temperature, was diagnosed with chest infection, team media manager Ehsan Malik said.“The doctor diagnosed a chest infection and said it was advisable to put him on injectible antibiotics and intravenous fluids. He has been admitted to a hospital,” Malik said. He hoped Akhtar would be released from the hospital tomorrow and would be fit for the Test starting on Friday.Hospital sources said Akhtar, who has low blood pressure, had been kept at the Maharaja suite.Malik said that middle order bat Misbah, who had developed a viral infection during the opening Test in Delhi, was improving. Skipper Shoaib Malik, who had sprained an ankle, was also hopeful of being fit before the match, he said.No sooner Pakistan had reached Kolkata, the news was out that Misbah was struggling with a “sore throat” and Akhtar was down with “viral fever”. Even captain Shoaib Malik appeared to be walking with a faint limp when the players reached the team hotel. The injury-prone Shoaib took six wickets in the first Test against India.The Test will get underway on November 30, and the visitors are confident that the injured duo will recover over the next two days. “They are tired and a little indisposed today. But two days before the match are more than enough for them to recover fully for the match,” said a Pakistan team insider.The Indian team, meanwhile, arrived sans their two key performers of the Ferozeshah Kotla Test, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman. Others yet tot reach the city are Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Kaarthick, Murali Kartik, Sreesanth, RP Singh and fielding coach Robin Singh. They are slated to join the rest of the squad tomorrow morning.Team India skipper Anil Kumble was bubbling with confidence upon his arrival at the hotel. Accompanied by manager Lalchand Rajput, Kumble rushed to Eden Gardens, the venue of the match, and took a long, hard look at the wicket. Both teams are expected to practice tomorrow.
