India captain Sourav Ganguly is a doubtful starter for the first Test against Pakistan, starting on March 28, after hurting his lower back while fielding in the fifth One-Day International in Lahore on Wednesday.

The team management said he will undergo a CT scan on Thursday to ascertain the extent of the injury.

Ganguly sustained the injury when he dived to stop a scorching off-drive by his counterpart Inzamam-ul Haq. He lay on the ground writhing in pain before being carried off.

India's physio Andrew Leipus suggested rushing him to hospital immediately but Ganguly refused and was administered painkillers even as the team bowled its way to an easy victory.

Team manager Ratnakar Shetty said the skipper is feeling "enthusiastic" after undergoing treatment by Leipus in the dressing room.

"I think he has some pain in the back. We have decided to go in for a test. As of now we don't know how serious the injury is," Shetty said.

"He was very enthusiastic and wanted to go back to the field but he was advised against it," he added.

Asked whether Ganguly will be able to play the opening Test, Shetty said much would depend on the medical report.

Earlier report