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Sami says he will be fit for Multan

Mohammad Sami, the Pakistan fast in doubt for the first Test against England, has asserted that he has no major groin problem

Cricinfo staff
03-Nov-2005


Despite reports of his groin injury being serious, Mohammad Sami believes he will play in the first Test © Getty Images
Mohammad Sami, in doubt for the first Test against England, has asserted that he has no major groin problem. Sami says he informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that his is just a niggling problem, and that he will be okay be okay in time for the Multan Test on November 12.
Saleem Altaf, the PCB's Director of Cricket Operations, confirmed that the Board had spoken to Sami after reading the media reports ruling him out of the first Test and were told he was okay. "Sami says it is nothing serious. He has had an ultrasound to confirm the gravity of the groin problem and nothing has shown up. He is resting and there are still ten days to go before the first Test," Altaf has been quoted as saying by the Karachi-based daily, The News.
Asked about reports that all-rounder Abdul Razzaq might also miss the entire Test series against England due to his elbow injury, Altaf said Razzaq had in fact told the Board he had stopped feeling pain in his elbow which was causing him problems. "The team trainer and physio and our Board doctor are keeping a watch on Razzaq and in fact today he said he was feeling better. He will have a final check-up later today (Wednesday) after which we will know his correct fitness position."
Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, says the problem has been diagnosed and that Razzaq is undergoing remedial treatment. "I don't think he should miss more than one Test. But anything can happen. I can't say anything for certain."
Razzaq's place in the side is said to be under contention by Yasir Arafat, the young all-rounder, after his nine-wicket haul in the warm-up game against the Englishmen at Rawalpindi.