Lahore:
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer today said the absence of top order batsman Younis Khan for the third test against England is a "major blow" to his side. Khan withdrew from the test aÂ" starting from Tuesday aÂ" after the death of his elder brother Sharif in Ukraine on Saturday. "Younis Khan's absence is a major blow to us because he bats at a vital number three position," Woolmer told reporters. Khan, the Pakistan vice captain, scored 121 runs with an average of 30.33 in the first two tests against England. "Younis is a fine cricketer, a charismatic player on the field and we sent all our condolences to his family for the death of his brother," said Woolmer. "It's a tragic day for Younis." Pakistan leads the three match series 1-0 but will also miss Shahid Afridi for the third test. International Cricket Council match referee Roshan Mahanama banned the allrounder for one test and five one-day internationals for damaging the pitch in the drawn second test at Faisalabad. (AP)
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