Shoaib Malik undergoes surgery on heels

Shoaib Malik hopes to be fit for the Indian series © Getty Images

Shoaib Malik, Pakistan's young allrounder, has had surgery on his heels in order to be fit and available for next month's home series against India. Malik, a regular member of Pakistan's Test and one-day teams against England in the recent home series, underwent the operation after complaining of acute pain due to corns.

"Doctors advised him to go for the surgery as he would not have been able to carry on against India in the same condition," said a Pakistan Cricket Board official, speaking to Reuters. "He will now be fit before the first Test against India from January 13."

Malik said: "I was facing a lot of pain batting and bowling because I had to put weight on my heels. Doctors say I can now resume playing after a week's rest. The series against India is very important for me and after a satisfactory series win against England I am looking forward to cementing my place in the side."

The 23-year-old was cleared earlier this month of a suspect bowling action after undergoing tests at the University of Western Australia in Perth. Malik, who opened the batting in the 2-0 Test series win over England, has played in 12 Tests and 107 one-day internationals. Pakistan won the one-day series 3-2. The Indian team is scheduled to reach Pakistan on January 6 to play three Tests and five one-dayers.