Naved out of series on eve of first Test

The Pakistan fast bowler has been ruled out of Test series against England with groin injury, further depleting the visitors' bowling options.

Pakistan quick Rana Naved-ul-Hasan has been ruled out of the four-Test series against England with a groin injury, further depleting the visitors' fast-bowling options.

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Shoaib Akhtar is already out for the series, while Mohammad Sami (knee) and Mohammad Asif (elbow) are in doubt for the first test starting Thursday at Lord's.

Left-arm quick Samiullah Khan Niazi has been called up to replace Naved-ul-Hasan and offers variety to a bowling attack likely to rely heavily on legspinner Danish Kaniera.

England also has fast-bowling concerns as Matthew Hoggard has a hand injury and is doubtful, while Simon Jones is out for the series and Andrew Flintoff won't return until the second Test starting July 27.

Pakistan, which beat England at home 2-1 last year, hasn't lost a series in England since 1982.