Hamstrung Akhtar eyes comeback in final Test against India by AFP

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Player:	Shoaib Akhtar
Event:	Pakistan in India 2004/05

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DateLine: 3rd March 2005

 

Fiery Pakistani pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he was recovering fast from a hamstring injury and hopes to play in the final Test against India at Bangalore later this month.

 

"I have been on rehabilitation and the injury is healing quicker than expected," Akhtar told AFP Thursday.

 

"I hope to get fit and play one or two side matches in Pakistan before going to India," he said.

 

"It could be the final Test in Bangalore" on March 24.

 

The 29-year-old pacer, regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the world, pulled out of Pakistan's first tour to India in six years because of the injury.

 

He announced his withdrawal a day after being fined 500 dollars for breaches of discipline during the tour of Australia, although he said the punishment had no bearing on his decision.

 

"It's agonising not to be with your mates but its out of my hands," he said.

 

"Missing a tour like India is a great disappointment for any player but I am hopeful that I would play at least the last Test and one-day games."

 

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) medical panel is to submit reports on the recovery of Akhtar and two other injured bowlers - Shabbir Ahmed and Umer Gul - on Friday.

 

The PCB has said Akhtar will have to prove his fitness before being considered for the tour.

 

The 16-member squad is currently in India for three Tests and six one-day internationals. The first Test starts in Mohali from Tuesday.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)