Sami likely to be ruled out of series

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Sami looks certain to be ruled out of their test and one-day series against Bangladesh with a hairline stress fracture of the ankle.

"It is not good news for us. A bone scan revealed the hairline fracture a few days back," chief selector Aamer Sohail told Reuters on Saturday.

"The doctors believe he is certainly out of the remaining two tests and is also very doubtful for the one-day series," Sohail said.

The 22-year-old had returned from England earlier this month after injuring his ankle while playing for Kent,

Sami missed the first test against Bangladesh being played in Karachi due to the ankle injury but was hopeful of recovering in time for the final test and one-dayers.

"I was confident that I would come back in time for the final test because I was not feeling any pain in my ankle," Sami said.

"But now scans have shown a hairline fracture and doctors say I have to be carefully nursed back to fitness."

Pakistan were forced to call Shoaib Akhtar from England in the middle of his contract with his county Durham to spearhead the attack in the absence of Sami.

Durham released Akhtar on condition that he rejoined them in early September.

But Sohail said the selectors would have to review the situation afresh after the news about Sami.