Off-field drama overshadows Pakistani match by AFP

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Scorecard:	The Rest v Pakistanis
Event:	Pakistan in South Africa 2006/07

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DateLine: 9th January 2007

 

Off-field drama overshadowed the action on the field as the match between the touring Pakistanis and the Rest of South Africa ended in a tame draw at the De Beers Diamond Oval Monday.

 

While coach Bob Woomer said injured fast bowler Umar Gul would be assessed Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury which restricted him to three overs in the Rest's innings, it was announced in Pakistan that controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar would be joining the team as cover for Gul.

 

Akhtar will join fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif in South Africa after both men had bans for drug use overturned by a Pakistani tribunal.

 

Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq again did not appear on the field because of a chest infection, while it was reported in Pakistan that star batsman Mohammad Yousuf might not play in the three-Test series against South Africa, starting at Centurion Thursday.

 

Yousuf was due to join the side in South Africa after returning from hajj in Saudi Arabia but this was reportedly delayed because his wife, who is expecting a baby, had suffered complications.

 

On the field, the Rest's captain Morne van Wyk and left-hander Arno Jacobs made centuries in a fifth wicket stand of 188, enabling the South African side to make 383 and bat until shortly before tea on the final day.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)