Cricket: Crowe doubtful for Test

MARTIN CROWE, New Zealand's captain, is a doubtful starter for the single Test against Pakistan beginning in Hamilton today. Crowe is suffering from severe bruising to his hand, which he received fielding in the one-day international against the tourists on Wednesday.

The loss of Crowe, who was the top scorer in each of the three one-day matches against Pakistan, would be another serious blow since John Wright is out after breaking a finger playing for Auckland. The inexperienced Blair Hartland has been drafted in to replace the veterab opener.

Javed Miandad, Pakistan's captain, has held back announcing his team, but the fast bowlers Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram and Aaqib Javed are all fit.

Meanwhile, the former captain, Imran Khan, has been appointed by the country's cricket board to help formulate an international calendar for Pakistan's national and under-19 sides during the next 10 years.

India, who are looking to square the series against South Africa, have recalled the seam bowler Javagal Srinath for the fourth and final Test starting in Cape Town today. South Africa have brought in the batsman Darryl Cullinan for his debut.