Inzamam and Razzaq uncertain for Sydney Test

Already 2-0 down in the three-Test series, Pakistan's preparations for the Sydney Test, which starts on Sunday (January 2), were further hampered with news that Inzamam-ul-Haq and Abdul Razzaq were still not certainties for the match. Inzamam is struggling with a back injury, while Razzaq hasn't recovered from a mystery ailment.

Haroon Rashid, the team manager, indicated that both were doubtful starters for the Test. "He [Inzamam] is responding to treatment but we can't say he's 100% yet," Rashid said, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald. "He's been having physiotherapy, he's doing gym work and pool work. He's feeling much better but he is still not at his best. He needs more work to strengthen his back, and then hopefully he can play in the Sydney Test." Inzamam made 1 and 0 at Perth, and then missed the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.

Razzaq, meanwhile, had been admitted to a hospital during the second Test after complaining of dizziness. Rashid said that Razzaq hadn't joined training yet. "He's still pretty weak. He's been resting a lot. We haven't been putting him on any medication, he's just been resting a lot, taking food and drink and getting his strength back. We're all training tomorrow and he'll be expected to practise."

Mohammad Sami and Shoaib Malik have already been ruled out with injuries suffered during the Melbourne Test. Shahid Afridi is likely to replace Malik, while Mohammad Khalil or Mohammad Asif will come in for Sami. Khalil, a left-arm seamer, played in the first Test at Perth, but failed to take a wicket in the 25 overs he bowled.