Sami virtually ruled out of West Indies tour

Mohammad Sami, the Pakistani fast bowler, has all but been ruled out of his team's forthcoming Test tour of West Indies. Sami recently underwent surgery to remove cysts from his heel, and his doctor has recommended at least 10 days of rest before beginning training again.

"I had a fresh examination today and although the surgeon has removed the plaster and stitches from my heel, he says I should not put weight on the foot for another three to four days after which I can start walking; but I can start training only after another ten days," Sami was quoted as saying in The News.

Sami was not confident he would be match-fit in time to be selected to play in the Tests in West Indies. The first Test starts on May 26 at Barbados, followed by the second at Jamaica from June 3. Sami came back well in the recent series against India after beginning in lackluster fashion. In the absence of Shoaib Akhtar he was forced to spearhead the attack, and bowled his heart out on some unresponsive pitches.