Sussex hit back at Inzamam over Rana claims

Sussex have hit back at Inzaman-ul Haq over claims that over-bowling had contributed to an injury which threatens to rule seamer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan out of Pakistan's upcoming tour of England.

Naved is doubtful for the four-Test tour after suffering a serious groin injury during an impressive start to the county season with Sussex.

That prompted a critical reaction from Pakistan skipper Inzaman, who was quoted as saying Rana had been used "excessively" by the county and not allowed to rest properly. He said, "Teams have to use fast bowlers very intelligently to avoid any burn-outs or injuries."

Reports of that comment brought an angry reaction from Sussex's manager Mark Robinson on Tuesday. "I'm sure Rana would say how much his game has expanded and improved during his time with us," Robinson said. "In terms of the volume of overs bowled he only averaged 16.5 an innings, which equates to two spells, hardly overuse. In one-day cricket he averaged just over eight overs a game.

"The captain and management at Sussex have always been aware of the value of Rana, not only to Sussex but to Pakistan, and we have done all we can to ensure he stayed fit and well during his time with us. At the time of his injury we immediately withdrew him from all bowling, the groin was scanned and we gave him the best medical attention possible.

"Rana is now back in England and Sussex are currently overseeing all the arrangements regarding his treatment including consultations with top specialists. We wish Rana a speedy recovery and will continue to do all we can to aid him in this."

Naved, 28, has played eight Tests and 45 one-day internationals for his country. His early season form in England had led to him being identified as a key figure for the tourists, particularly as paceman Shoaib Akhtar has been ruled out of the Test matches.