South Africa's Morkel out of Pakistan tour

KARACHI, Oc 2 (Reuters) South African fast bowler Morne Morkel will fly home early from the Pakistan tour after suffering a fracture in his left foot, the team said today.

''A team of medical specialists will examine him at home and decide his rehabilitation programme but a normal recovery period is six to eight weeks for this injury,'' team spokesman Owen Smith said.

Morkel, who has played only one test, was one of South Africa's best performers at the Twenty20 World Cup and was expected to play in the first test against Pakistan.

He sustained the injury during practice.

Smith said South Africa's selectors will meet later today to decide if Morkel is to be replaced, adding that he will be flown home as soon as possible.

''Fresh X-rays have revealed a fracture in his left foot,'' Smith said. ''He needs to get specialist medical attention to recover in time.'' REUTERS BJR PM1410