The second day of the first cricket Test between Pakistan and South Africa saw both sides being hit by injury concerns. South Africa’s young fast bowler Morne Morkel will be flying home immediately after fresh X-rays revealed that he had fracture in his left foot, an injury he suffered in the nets which also kept him out of the first Test that he was certain to play.

In contrast, Pakistan vice captain Salman Butt was rushed to hospital late last night after complaining of acute stomach pain and team manager Talat Ali said doctors had kept him under observation.

“They have carried out several tests on him we are not sure if he will be able to open the innings in this Test,” said Ali. Owen Smith, South Africa’s media spokesman said that Morkel would require at least six to eight weeks to recover from his injury.

“Once he return home on the first available flight a team of medical experts will examine him and confirm his rehabilitation period,” he said. Morkel who has played just one Test was the star for his team in the Twenty20 World Cup. South African selectors will be meeting later today to decide on a replacement for him.