Injured Pakistani paceman Mohammad Asif is set to miss the upcoming three-Test series against India after failing to recover from his elbow injury.
Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board said that there are slim chances of Asif becoming fully fit for the Test series due to start from November 22 in Delhi.
"He is due to leave in a week's time for Australia to consult a top sports medicine specialist for his elbow injury and will then undergo any rehabilitation course as recommended by the specialist. This means he will not have time to be fit for at least the first two Tests," the source said..
When contacted, Asif said he is trying to be fully fit before the next series.
"It is terribly disappointing to be sitting out of such an important series. But I wish my teammates well. The bowlers have not done badly so far," he said.
"Our attack is strong even without me and that is a good sign for Pakistan cricket. But I am working hard to be ready for the next series," he said while confirming he would be going to Australia next week.
The board decided to consult a foreign specialist after a doctor told Asif that he required surgery while another said he could recover through rest and medication.
"It was because of the differing opinions we thought it would be best to get a third one from a foreign specialist," a board official said.
Meanwhile, a PCB national selector said Asif is not going to figure in the changes they are due to announce for the Test series by Saturday.
"His chances of making the test team are virtually finished," he said.
