Pakistan’s bowling attack continue to lose vigour by every passing day as the 2015 World Cup approach fast as pacer Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the mega after failing his fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

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The Men in Green have already been handicapped due to bowling suspensions of key bowlers Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez and the news of Junaid has further dented hopes.

Junaid had just come off from a knee injury and did well in domestic cricket as he lead KPK fighters to Pentangular Cup crown.

However all the hard work put for his rehabilitation wasted when Junaid slipped while bowling in the short preparatory camp before heading to New Zealand.

The slip caused stress on his right knee while he also suffered a hamstring injury. Though he did a lot of hard work at the NCA to recover in time but it was just not meant to be his world cup.

“Junaid gave his fitness test today but couldn’t clear it,” a PCB official involved in the test said while speaking to Sport360.

“He clearly looked in pain and there was every chance that he could break down very soon if in case he would have been sent to take part in the mega event. It’s blow for the young bowler because he could not play a single match in 2011 world cup and now he will not part of the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Junaid stated that he worked hard but could not clear the test.

“I failed my fitness test today and I’m really disappointed. However, all my best wishes are with my team and I urge my fans to pray for me as well,” Junaid said.

Pakistan were banking on opening bowling pair of Mohammad Irfan and Junaid to deliver the goods with two new balls and fill the void left by suspensions of Ajmal and Hafeez.

The national selection has already sent Bilawal Bhatti as Junaid’s replace for New Zealand tour but who will replace him in the world cup is yet to be decided and will be announced shortly.

Bhatti and batsman Asad Shafiq are strong contenders to get the call.