Off-field drama overshadowed the action on the field as the match between the touring Pakistanis and the Rest of South Africa ended in a tame draw at the De Beers Diamond Oval on Monday.
While coach Bob Woomer said injured fast bowler Umar Gul would be assessed today after suffering an ankle injury which restricted him to three overs in the Rest's innings, it was announced in Pakistan that controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar would be joining the team as cover for Gul.
Akhtar will join fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif in South Africa after both men had bans for drug use overturned by a Pakistani tribunal.
Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq again did not appear on the field because of a chest infection, while it was reported in Pakistan that star batsman Mohammad Yousuf might not play in the three-Test series against South Africa, starting at Centurion tomorrow.
Yousuf was due to join the side in South Africa after returning from hajj in Saudi Arabia but this was reportedly delayed because his wife, who is expecting a baby, had suffered complications.
On the field, the Rest's captain Morne van Wyk and left-hander Arno Jacobs made centuries in a fifth wicket stand of 188, enabling the South African side to make 383 and bat until shortly before tea on the final day.
Akhtar, 31, was originally left out of the 17-man party after selectors felt he lacked match fitness.
But he bowled 21 overs in a first-class match and took five wickets to reclaim his space in the team.
"I was disappointed when I was left out but it's beyond me and I am ready to play for my country and for my team," Akhtar said.
"I always try my best and will do my best for the team to help it win in South Africa," Akhtar said.
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