Pakistan paceman Imran Khan out of third Test

Right-arm quickie ruled out of the final game of the series after hurting his hand finger

SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Pakistan fast bowler Imran Khan was ruled out of the third and final Test against England after he suffered a hand injury in fielding practice, the team manager said Friday.

The 28-year-old injured his bowling hand while catching a ball in training at the Sharjah stadium.

Team manager Intikhab Alam said Khan was taken to hospital for treatment.



"Khan hurt his bowling hand and a finger so he was sent to hospital, where he got four stitches and he will take ten days to recover," Alam told AFP.

The third Test starts in Sharjah from Sunday.

Khan, who made his debut against Australia last year, took six wickets in the two Test matches, four in Dubai where Pakistan won by 178 runs.

The first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi.



Pakistan have the option of bringing in left-arm paceman Rahat Ali, who played in the first match.

Pakistan can also bring in off-spinner Bilal Asif whose bowling action was cleared late Friday.

His action was reported as suspect during the third one-day international against Zimbabwe at Harare on October 3. He underwent biomechanical tests in Chennai, India on October 19.

The International Cricket Council said Bilal can resume bowling at the international level.