Pakistan unchanged for remaining two Tests

The injured Ahmed Shehzad is the only name missing in an otherwise unchanged Pakistan squad for the remaining two Tests against New Zealand. No replacement has been named.

Shehzad suffered a minor skull fracture after being hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Corey Anderson on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. He was sent back home for recovery after a detailed medical assessment on Thursday declared him unfit for the remainder of the series.

"The change has been forced on us owing to head injury to opener Ahmed Shehzad. Pakistan is keen and confident of maintaining its winning sequence in the remaining two Tests as well," Moin Khan, the Pakistan team manager, said.

Meanwhile, Shehzad said he was hoping for a quick recovery so that he could be back to cash in on his good form. He was dismissed hit wicket on the ball that caused him injury, after scoring a career-best 176.

"It's a routine thing in cricketer's life and I am recovering well," Shehzad told the reporters at the NCA Lahore. "My form will remain intact and I will surely carry it on my return soon."

"Cricket is not for a chicken hearted player you have to brave enough for it," he said. "If you are doing something for your country, these kind of niggles are nothing."

Pakistan won the first Test with a margin of 248 runs in Abu Dhabi to take 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Test begins on November 17 in Dubai, and the final in Sharjah, on November 26.