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Shoaib Akhtar was ruled out of further participation in the first Test against New Zealand after twisting his ankle on Thursday evening while bowling at express pace. But he was cleared to play in the second Test starting at Karachi Wednesday.

Shoaib bowled only eight balls Friday and took successive wickets of Brooke Walker and Chris Martin with trademark yorkers. But didn't come out to field when New Zealand began their second innings after being forced to follow on.

The pace bowler was taken to a local hospital for precautionary X-ray which were clear much to the delight of the player and the team.

"I twisted my ankle when I fell on my follow through on Thursday evening. It is swollen and I am using ice," Shoaib said. "But there is nothing serious to worry about and I will be available for the second Test," he added. By failing to take the field in the second innings, Shoaib missed an opportunity to attempt his first Test hat trick.

© Dawn