Younis Khan to miss final Test

Younis Khan, the Pakistan vice-captain, has pulled out of the final Test against England at Lahore after the death of his brother. His absence could lead to a recall for Hazan Raza, who sat out the second Test after playing in the first one.

"My brother, Sharif Khan, died in Ukraine on Saturday and I won't be able to play the third Test," Younis told AFP. Pakistan will also be without Shahid Afridi, the allrounder, who was banned for a Test and two ODIs by Roshan Mahanama, the match referee, for scruffing up the pitch during the second Test at Faisalabad.

Bob Woolmer told reporters at Gaddafi Stadium that Younis's absence was a big loss to Pakistan. "It is a big blow to our team. He is a very good player and very charismatic. It is a good opportunity for someone else to come in make their mark at that position."

Younis has been a crucial player for Pakistan since his recall last year against Sri Lanka at Karachi. In the period since, he has scored four hundreds in ten Tests. Woolmer said Younis's non-availability had disturbed the balance in the team's batting order.

"Younis is a regular at number three and his absence has affected the balance. We may now bring in Asim Kamal at number three and Hasan Raza in place of Shahid Afridi at number six."

Although Woolmer said the team management has not asked for a replacement for Younis, sources close to the team say that Yasir Hameed might be in line for a recall. Hameed, who scored two centuries on debut against Bangladesh in 2003, was dropped from the squad after the tour to the West Indies. Last week, he scored 174 for Peshawar against Multan in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy game, a performance which has increased his chances of a recall.

The team management are not keen on changing the opening combination and if Hameed is called up, it is likely he will bat at one down, where he made his debut. Kamal is then expected to ba at number six.

There have also been suggestions that Mohammad Sami may be dropped from the line-up to accomodate Mohammad Asif, who took ten wickets in a warm-up match against the tourists before the Test series began. But Woolmer refused to say whether he would be dropped. "Mohammad Sami is working very hard. In fact he bowled well in patches. I don't go along with the critics. I think everyone has played well iat various moments in this series, the whole squad and I back them all completely."

Woolmer insisted that his team were determined to clinch the series, something they have been unable to do in nearly two years. "You have to cope with injuries and other problems. The morale is high and we enter the Test to win the series. We know how important it is to win a Test here and also know England can bounce back, but the players are confident of giving their best. England is a very good side and we have to remain positive. Our goal is to win the series. If we do, it will be a big step forward for us," said Woolmer.

Inzamam's role, Woolmer said, was also crucial. "He's been fantastic, he's led from the front and the team is playing well due to him. As long as he is there, Pakistan will keep fighting."

England will also make a couple of changes to the side that played in the second Test. Andrew Strauss has returned home to attend the birth of his first child and is likely to be replaced with all-rounder Paul Collingwood. James Anderson may also get a chance at Shaun Udal's expense on a pitch which is expected to help seamers.