CricketViewer.com

Pakistan’s star speedster Shoaib Akhtar would arrive in England early next week to speed up his campaign for an international comeback with a series of county games with Warwickshire.

Shaharyar Khan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, said here on Thursday the Board is arranging for a few county games for Shoaib to ease him back to competitive cricket after more than five months of absence from the international arena due to fitness problems.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has used his Warwickshire connection to get Shoaib to play for them in a few games later this month.

Shaharyar said Shoaib is scheduled to arrive in England next Monday and might play the first of his warm-up game within the next a couple of weeks.

Shoaib was unable to do much against India in another home series just weeks later and was forced out of international cricket because of a career-threatening knee injury.

He underwent twin knee surgery in Australia in February and after treatment and rest declared himself fit earlier this summer. He was however left out of the touring party for the series against England last month after it was revealed that an earlier ankle stress fracture had not healed.

Shaharyar is hopeful Shoaib would be able to make a comeback in the fourth and final Test at The Oval next month, adding that his return would certainly be a big boost for the tourists. “Shoaib is an important part of our team and we are anxiously looking forward for him to make a comeback,” said the PCB chief.
Source:The News