Pakistan's Shoaib in fitness fight
WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar faces a battle to prove his fitness ahead of the second test against New Zealand, which starts on Friday in Wellington.
Shoaib missed the drawn first test with a hamstring strain and Pakistan coach Javed Miandad admitted he remained a doubt.
"He's working hard and we'll have to see because we have three days before the match and it will depend how he goes," said Miandad.
If Shoaib does return, Umar Gul is likely to make way despite bowling well in the first test.
New Zealand have named off-spinner Paul Wiseman in their squad, and he could start alongside Daniel Vettori if the pitch looks likely to be friendly to spin.
The first match ended in a draw on Tuesday, although Pakistan will feel more confident after reducing the home side to 96-8 in their second innings before bad light stopped play.
