Pakistani players hit by viral infection

Several Pakistani cricketers have been hit by viral infection on the eve of the first of the two 'Beat the Heat' Test series against New Zealand.

Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Mohammad Sami and Inzamam-ul-Haq have become victims of a viral infection and are suffering from chest congestion and running temperature. But barring Wasim, the trio took part in the team's final workouts for the opener starting at Gaddafi Stadium Wednesday. And to make matters worst for Pakistan team Shoaib Akhtar dashed to Rawalpindi Monday evening where his house was robbed by four dacoits. Reports said Shoaib's family was assaulted and held hostage by the robbers who were later arrested.

"It is very shameful that even the players are not safe. I would not have bothered had they robbed me of my valuables but they assaulted my mother. The robbers hit her with butts on her head. She later fell and severely injured her leg," Shoaib said from Rawalpindi, adding: "She is in a critical condition."

The mercury shot to 39 degrees Celsius before noon and the temperature is unlikely to be friendlier in the next five days, according to MET officials.

"The conditions are very tough. We have played in hot conditions before but the weather conditions here are testing and difficult. It is getting tougher with every hour passing," Waqar told reporters.

His opposite number Stephen Fleming was even more concerned but put a brave face. "We can't do anything about heat. We have to try and manage it in the best way we can by increasing fluid intake and by conserving energy at the same time. "It wasn't that hot in the one-day series. But today is the hottest day we have encountered since arriving here. Surely the heat factor will be crucial in the outcome of the Test series," Fleming said in a pre-Test press conference.

With heat to play decisive role in the series, both the team captains said spinners would be the key figures. Pakistan have named two specialist spinners in Saqlain Mushtaq and Danish Kaneria along with support bowlers in Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik. The quartet are likely starters.

New Zealand have Daniel Vettori and wrist spinner Brooke Walker in their ranks. "Vettori is probably the best left-arm spinner. He has variety and mixes his deliveries intelligently. But we have good batsmen who are technically very sound. Besides we have a long middle-order that has the ability to counter him. My only worry is the top order and I haven't talked to Yousuf Youhana if he would like to stick to his one-down position," Waqar said.

Fleming said: "If the wickets turn, which I hope it will, he (Vettori) will be difficult to play. He is pretty fit and has maintained himself well."

New Zealand were depleted in the one-dayers in the absence of Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, Dion Nash and Vettori. But now look a decent squad after Vettori, opener Mark Richardson, middle-order batsman Mathew Sinclair and paceman Chris Martin joined them for the Tests.

The wicket is flat and appears to be result oriented, according to both the captains.

Irrespective of the final result, the match will be significant to West Indian Steve Bucknor who will be standing in his 66th Test and would be equalling Dickie Bird's record. He will become the leading umpire in terms of matches supervised during the Karachi Test scheduled to start from May 8.

Pakistan: Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Yousuf Youhana, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Rashid Latif, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Saqlain Mushtaq, Danish Kaneria. Reserves: Wasim Akram, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Sami, Imran Nazir.

New Zealand: Matthew Horne, Mark Richardson, Lou Vincent (wicket-keeper), Stephen Fleming, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Mathew Sinclair, Daniel Vettori, Brooke Walker, Daryl Tuffey, Chris Martin. Reserves: Robbie Hart, Scott Styris, Andre Adams, Ian Butler.

Umpires: Steve Bucknor (West Indies) and Rudi Koertzen (West Indies).

TV Umpire: Aleem Dar.

Match referee: Mike Procter (South Africa).