22 October 2007

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has been ruled out of the third one-day international against South Africa after failing to recover from an elbow injury he picked up in the second test in Lahore.

Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said, "Asif has been advised to rest for one more match as he has not made a 100 percent recovery."

The series is tied at 1-1 after Pakistan scored a 25-run win in the second game and South Africa won the first match.

Pakistan may consider resting Asif for the remainder of the series to ensure he is fit for the tour of India which starts in November. Shoaib Akhtar will be available for the final match of the series after serving a lengthy ban for misconduct.

"Shoaib Akhtar should be back for the final match so we will have bowling options but we don't want to take a risk with Asif's elbow problem," Ahmed clarified.

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