Moin Khan out of Test, Sami doubtful

Pakistan captain Moin Khan will not lead his side when it takes the field for the third and final National Bank series Test against New Zealand in Hamilton today.

And there is doubt over the Pakistan bowling find of the series, 20-year-old Mohammad Sami who bowled his side to its first Test victory in Auckland.

Khan ruled himself out of the Test as a result of the troublesome right knee injury suffered during the last day of the second Test in Christchurch.

Pakistan coach Javed Miandad hinted at training yesterday that Moin was in trouble with the leg and said then that Inzamam-ul-Haq would captain the side with Humayun Farhat to make his Test debut as wicket-keeper.

Moin's injury is the latest in a string of Pakistan injuries which has seen the comings and goings in the touring team reach amazing proportions with key players like Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and Saeed Anwar leaving the tour with a variety of afflictions.

The situation is no better for New Zealand who, after naming their team for Hamilton, surviving only a few hours before leg spinner Brooke Walker put his shoulder out while bowling in club cricket in Auckland and declaring himself unfit for the Test.

Khan said last night that the injury to his knee would be too painful and that he will be out of action for up to six weeks. He was disappointed not to be able to lead the side and possibly win the Test series which Pakistan leads 1-0.

Sami has a shin complaint and will be required to pass a fitness test before a final decision is made. Mohammad Akram will be on stand by after joining the tour as a replacement.