Pakistan gets Specialist Advice on Shoaib's Injury
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has asked a South African specialist for advice on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's ankle injury before deciding on his inclusion on the tour of England, coach Bob Woolmer said.

"We had a scan on his injured ankle, but its not clear. There may or may not be a fracture, so to get a second opinion we are sending the scan to an ankle specialist to South Africa," Woolmer said on Saturday.

The 30-year-old fast bowler has been plagued by injuries in his eight-year career and underwent twin knee operations in February.

He has not played cricket since January and twisted his ankle after he resumed bowling last week.

Woolmer said Akhtar's fitness will be reassessed in a week.

Pakistan will play four Tests and five one-day games in England on the tour which starts in late June.

Akhtar, who has taken 165 Test and 199 one-day international wickets, was one of the architects of Pakistan's win over England in Pakistan last year taking 17 wickets.

Pakistan's selectors are due to announce a 16-man touring squad on June 9 and there are signs Akhtar will be included in the squad as 17th man.

The first test begins at Lord's on July 13.

Inzamam Reax

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket team’s captain Inazamam-ul-Haq said Saturday that entire squad except Shoaib Akhter is fully fit and are busy with preparations for Engalnd tour.

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been diagnosed with a hairline fracture to his ankle and could miss the early part of the four-test tour of England starting at the end of the month.

The captain told all squad members are doing hard working; however, all of them are fit and poised to play in the Engalnd series.

“Shoaib Akhtar has been advised week-long rest. Howver, practice match would be arranged to review his (Shoaib’s) bowling and fitness would as second session of the training camp kicks off in the second week of June”, informed Inzamam.

Responding to a question, the captain while rejecting all queries with regard to his fitness said he was entirely fit.●