Razzaq ruled out of first Test

Razzaq will take no part in the first Test © AFP

Pakistan will go in to the first Test against England at Multan without allrounder Abdul Razzaq, who has been ruled out with an elbow injury.

Razzaq ruptured tissues in his elbow and has been advised at least three weeks' rest by doctors. At 25, having made his debut in 1999, he has only played 37 Tests but his allround versatility, the ability to bowl at a sharp pace, and bat aggressively at any position, means he is seen as a vital cog in Pakistan's lineup. He has taken 77 wickets and scored 1523 runs in Test matches since making his debut.

Wasim Bari, chairman of selectors, told AFP, "We have not included him in the 16 because he will take time to regain fitness." Razzaq also told AFP earlier that the injury was "painful" but he had been hopeful of recovering in time to make the squad.

Razzaq has fond memories of playing against England; he scored the first of his three Test centuries at Faisalabad during England's 2000-01 tour. Pakistan's three-member selection committee is likely to finalise the squad late Friday and submit it to the Pakistan Cricket Board, who may announce the final line-up at the weekend.

Pakistan are also uncertain about the fitness of Shoaib Akhtar, although Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, said the bowler looked good at the national training camp in Lahore and during the practice match between a Pakistan XI and Rest of Pakistan side. Shoaib bowled 20 overs on a flat pitch, taking a solitary wicket.