Shoaib Akhtar ruled out of Windies match

Shoaib Akhtar will miss Pakistan's first one-day match against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi after pulling a calf muscle in practice.

The fast bowler sustained the injury on Tuesday, but Pakistan's team management are hopeful he will be fit for the second one-dayer on Friday.

"The team management will review his fitness on Thursday," said Pakistan media manager Raza Rashid.

Fast bowler Abdur Rauf has been drafted in to replace the 33-year-old.

"Coach Intikhab Alam is clear that only a 100% Akhtar will play because we have an important series against India in two months time and we will not risk any further injury for Akhtar," said team manager Yawar Saeed.

Shoaib returned to the Pakistan squad in August for a Twenty20 tournament but has not played a one-day international in over a year.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle had highlighted the paceman's potent threat, describing him as a "key factor" in the three-match series

The West Indies have never played in Abu Dhabi, but begin the series on Wednesday with the country on a high after Gayle led an all-star team from the Caribbean to victory over England in the Stanford Twenty20 finale in Antigua.

Pakistan, however, have extensive experience in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, beating Sri Lanka 2-1 last year and sharing a two-match series against India in 2006.

It will also be the first match in charge for Pakistan's temporary coach Intikhab, following the sacking two weeks ago of Geoff Lawson.

"Besides Akhtar, they have (Umar) Gul, and backed by a strong batting line-up they are a very tough team, but if we compete well we can sneak a win in the first game for a good start," Gayle added.

"Beating England was nice and we worked really hard for that. Now it's a new series and every series is important for us, no matter who the opponent is, and winning this one will give us more confidence.

"We have some exciting newcomers like Lionel Baker, who played in Canada, then we have Shawn Findlay and Brendan Nash, so these guys have an opportunity to prove themselves against a good opponent."

The Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik hopes his team can impress, particularly with it being their only international series before playing three Tests and five one-dayers against India in January and February.

"This may just be one of the most important series we have played in recent times and we are eager to do well," Malik said.

"We have a few youngsters in the side and this may be their only chance to prove their ability in international cricket before we meet India."

While admitting that knowledge of the pitch may give his side a slight advantage, Malik, appointed skipper last year, is confident his bowlers will be in good form.

With his captaincy currently under review by the Pakistan Cricket Board - his tenure ends next month - Malik said he was "as relaxed as ever".

"There is no captaincy pressure on me. I have my own way and always look for improvement in all areas."

Pakistan will choose between batsman Khalid Latif and all-rounder Fawad Alam as a replacement for Mohammad Yousuf who recently joined the Indian Cricket League.