Pakistan's key batsman Azhar Ali will return home following the death of his mother-in-law and is unlikely to play in the second Test against England starting in Dubai Thursday. The 30-year-old did not play in the first Test, which ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi Saturday, due to a foot infection. Team manager Intikhab Alam said Ali would return home and it was not clear if he would be able to rejoin the squad before the Test. "Its sad that Ali has to return home following the death of his mother-in-law and his return before the second Test will depend on his visa for the United Arab Emirates," said Alam. Ali had recovered well from his foot infection and trained Friday and Saturday. Pakistan will have the services of leg-spinner Yasir Shah who regained full fitness after missing the first Test due to back spasm. Samuels reported again In Colombo, West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels has been reported for a suspect bowling action for the third time in his career, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said Monday. Samuels, 34, who was reported previously in 2008 and 2013, was hauled up this time during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, the governing body said in a statement. The off-spinner is required to undergo testing within 14 days, but is allowed to bowl in international cricket until the Test results are declared. Samuels bowled 27 overs in Sri Lanka's only innings in Galle and picked up the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne. The host won the Test by an innings and six runs. The second and final Test starts in Colombo Thursday, followed by three one-dayers and two Twenty20 matches. Samuels, who made his debut in 2000, was first reported after the third Test against South Africa in Durban in 2008. He was permitted to bowl again in 2011 after undergoing remedial work on his action. Samuels was once again reported during the second Test against India in Mumbai in 2013 and was banned from bowling the quicker delivery, although his off-breaks were found to be within the law. Samuels has taken 41 wickets in 60 Tests and 85 wickets in 174 ODIs. He also has 19 wickets from 38 Twenty20 games. — Agencies
