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CHENNAI (India), Jan 28: Mushtaq Ahmed was declared a doubtful starter even for the second cricket Test which starts in New Delhi from next Thursday. Mushtaq missed the first Test that started today because of a stiff neck. He underwent an MRI test on Wednesday evening which revealed he had a spasm in his neck.

``There is a lesion between fifth and sixth disc without any neurological deficiency. But still it needs proper time to heal,'' revealed Pakistan team physiotherapist Dr Dan Keisal.

``He has to take proper medicines and restrain from putting extra strain on his neck. But we have also to keep a very close watch if the medicines are working as quickly as they should,'' Keisal added.

But Pakistan captain Wasim Akram was confident that Mushtaq would play in the second Test. ``We are very confident that he would get a clean bill of health for the next game.

``The decision to drop him was taken last evening after the MRI reports,'' he said.

Commenting on the day's play, Akram admitted that Pakistan threw away a great opportunity to post a healthy total on the scoreboard. ``I had a score of about 325 in my mind when I won the toss and elected to bat. But we didn't play particularly well though the wicket at no demons. I think Yousuf Youhana and Moin Khan showed us how we could have batted on this track.''

Akram refused to comment on the umpiring saying he would bound by the ICC code of conduct not to speak on the issue.

Akram admitted that he and Waqar Younis bowled poorly in the last 40 minutes of the day's play. ``We went for an all out attack hoping to get a couple of quick wickets and that's why we are hit for runs. But the ball is not swinging at all though we might get some reverse swing in the later part of the match.''

The Pakistan captain refused to admit that odds were now heavily on India. ``I don't think we are out of the Test as yet. We can still bounce back by dismissing India under 200 and then setting up a target of over 250 for India.

``I believe that 250 would be a very difficult target to chase on this track because the ball has already started keeping low and you could see the ball spinning on the first day. I think, Saqlain and Nadeem Khan here have a big role to play.''

Akram justified the inclusion of Shahid Afridi by saying that he wanted to have three spinners in his sleeves. ``I strongly believe that Shahid Afridi has the talent and potential to play in Tests. I have high hopes in him and I am confident that he would deliver the goods.''

However, Akram hinted that Ijaz Ahmed might open the innings when Pakistan bat for the second time in this Test. ``Yes, there is a possibility that we might ask Ijaz to open the innings with Shahid Afridi coming out at No 6 because he plays spinners particular well.''

Akram had no complains with the wicket. ``I think it was a good track to bat on first. The first hour was very crucial and we survived the first eight overs but after that failed to cash in on the opportunity of getting a couple of big partnerships.''