SHOAIB Akhtar is out of today's County Championship clash with Yorkshire at New Road after failing a fitness test.

The Pakistani Test bowler had been receiving treatment on a slight calf niggle throughout yesterday after trudging out of Wednesday's Twenty20 Cup victory over Glamorgan.

Shoaib, who was replaced by Na-deem Malik, bowled just two overs against the Dragons before limping off after slipping in the field.

County chief executive Mark Newton said: "Shoaib's not fit enough for us to risk him in a four-day game. It's a real blow, but we have got other fast bowlers who are in form."

Veteran all-rounder David Leather-dale also misses out as youngster Steve Davies and seamer Matt Mason are added to the side that missed the Twenty20 match.

Yorkshire have recalled England ace Matthew Hoggard to their team for the longer form of the game after his Twenty20 troubles.

South African fast bowler Deon Kruis is also recalled.