Kamran Akmal set to return for Pakistan in third Test

Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests against England after doctors advised him yesterday he needed three weeks to recover from a finger injury.

Zulqarnain suffered a hairline fracture on his little finger in his right hand while making his debut in the recent second Test against England at Edgbaston where the 24-year-old made an impressive 80 even though Pakistan lost the match by nine wickets to go 2-0 down in a four-match series.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement issued yesterday said the tour management has not requested a replacement for Zulqarnain, who is returning home, which suggests Kamran Akmal will be recalled for the third Test starting at The Oval tomorrow.