Adnan Akmal suffers hairline fracture

Adnan Akmal, the Pakistan wicketkeeper, has suffered a hairline fracture on his left ring finger during the opening day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Akmal was hit on the hand while trying to fend off a delivery from Dilhara Fernando in the first innings and had to retire hurt on 10. He resumed his innings and scored 24 before he was dismissed. Taufeeq Umar kept wicket in his absence when Sri Lanka came out to bat late in the evening.

The Pakistan team management had confirmed to the media that Akmal had a hairline fracture, and that it was uncertain if he would be fit to play on the second day. Though he hasn't been ruled out of the Test yet, the injury is a blow to Pakistan's chances as they look to win the match and square the series. It will also be a challenge for a makeshift wicketkeeper to keep to the spinners. Umar once stepped in for the injured Rashid Latif during the 2003 World Cup match against India at Centurion.