Wasim down with groin injury, Waqar has stiff back

Rawalpindi, Feb 26: Pakistan team management was hopeful that pacer Wasim Akram will recover to take the field on the morning of second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

However, it was stated that the final decision over Wasim's fitness whether to take the field or not will be taken on the morning of second day's play.

According to the physio Dr Riaz Ahmed, who has his hands full after getting the assignment with Pakistan team, the pacer pulled a part of his groin-related muscle. But, it could not known how soar is the muscle. Wasim is being given full treatment of icing, medication and physiotherapy which has relieved his pain somewhat. However, the final fitness check will be made in the morning.

Wasim could bowl just 2.1 overs in the Sri Lankans first innings before walking off the field with a slight limp. Wasim led Pakistan's pace attack with some fiery deliveries giving uneasy time to the tourist openers with a few loud appeals. He had bowled one delivery of his third over when he developed pain in the left-thigh. Wasim tried to bowl again by running down twice but could not get into his delivery stride and pulled off by saying "sorry". Abdur Razzaq completed Wasim's third over.

However, sources maintained that even for slightest pulls, proper rehablitation was required otherwise any injury can aggrevate which no one would want especially to the key bowler.

Meanwhile, Waqar Younis who bowled with renewed passion also has a slight stiffness in his back. However, Saeed Anwar was completely recovered from his shoulder and neck stiffness.