Akhtar hospitalised with chest infection and severe dehydration

Kolkata, Nov 27 (UNI) Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was tonight admitted to Apollo Gleneagles Hospital with chest infection and severe dehydration.

Dr Shyamasish Banerjee attending on Akhtar, kept in the Maharaj suite of the posh private hospital, said, ''Akhtar is suffering from chest infection and severe dehydration. He has been administered intravenous fluid.'' But Dr Banerjee hoped Akhtar might be released tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq, who is also running a high temperature was being attended by Dr Joy Basu at the team hotel.

Misbah went for a blood test for the second time, while another speedster Mohammed Sami also underwent blood test.

However, Pakistan team sources said the injury to skipper Shoaib Malik was not so serious. ''It's a Grade-1 sprain and he should be fit for the Test,'' sources added.

The Pakistan team arrived here this morning and is scheduled to begin practice from tomorrow.

These three players hold the key to Pakistan line-up. While Akhtar chipped in seven wickets in the first test in New Delhi, Sami was spectacular in his line and length.

Misbah had been in fine nick for long and was the highest scorer in the first innings of the first test.

UNI