Ganguly to miss second Test

Sourav Ganguly will miss the second Test against Pakistan at Lahore, after it was decided by the team management to fly him back to India for further investigation of his back injury.

Ganguly hurt himself diving in the outfield trying to stop an Inzamam-ul-Haq drive during the final one-day match at Lahore, and despite Andrew Leipus - the team physio - having worked with him over the past few days, there was no visible improvement in his condition.

"The MRI was clear, but he is still experiencing back spasms," said Ratnakar Shetty, the team manager. "We have therefore decided to send him back to India. He will fly to Kolkata on April 1, where he will consult with a doctor who has treated him before."

Shetty went on to add that the management were going to ask the Indian Board to send Mohammad Kaif as a replacement. "There is a gap of ten days before the final Test," he said, "and we hope he [Ganguly] will be fit for that."

Kaif is expected to reach Lahore on April 2. In Ganguly's absence, Rahul Dravid will continue to lead the side.