Naved-ul-Hasan will not have to go under the surgeon's knife © AFP Enlarge

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, the Pakistan fast bowler, is suffering from inflamed bone symphis and not groin injury as was earlier diagnosed when he was forced to return home before the first Test against England at Lord's got underway.

Dr Meesaq Rizvi, a member of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Medical Commission, said that Naved-ul-Hasan would not need surgery and was hopeful that he would be fit for either the fourth Test or the start of the one-day series.

"According to Rana's medical reports, he is suffering from erosion in bone symphis and needs three weeks rest," Rizvi told Dawn. He said that Naved-ul-Hasan was asked to do light exercises and swim.

Meesaq was also positive about Mohammad Asif, who sustained an elbow in the four-day match against England A and was ruled out of the first Test at Lord's. "He [Asif] might be allowed to start bowling after one week. Asif will be tested after one week and if the bowler shows satisfactory improvement he would be allowed to resume bowling."