Misbah added to Pakistan’s growing injury list

Pakistan have been dealt a heavy blow with the news that veteran batsman Misbah-ul-Haq will miss the rest of the ODI series against New Zealand after picking up a hamstring injury.

The captain did himself some damage in the second ODI against the Black Caps, and will now miss the last three fixtures to try and recover quickly. Shahid Afridi, the T20 skipper, will lead the side.

The PCB have not named a replacement for Misbah, but have called in bowlers Yasir Shah and Anwar Ali due to injuries to Umar Gul and Bilawal Bhatti.

Pakistan chief selector and manager Moin Khan said: "With fitness issues ruling them out for the duration of the next three ODIs, Umar Gul (injury to left tendon), Bilawal Bhatti (stitches in the right hand webbing) are being sent back home to go through recovery and rehabilitation, and pace bowler Anwar Ali and legspinner Yasir Shah have been recalled.

"With all-rounder Anwar Ali coming over, our strength in pace would be restored while Yasir Shah has performed very well in recent matches and his presence would give our attack a well-rounded look.

"The leggie is also a good prospect for us for the ICC World Cup 2015, so more exposure would do him a world of good."