The world's fastest bowler lacked his usual sparkle against India

Shoaib took seven wickets at a cost of 42 runs each during the series, but insisted he tried his best.

"Saying that my attitude and effort were not up to the mark is wrong.

"I failed to produce but the defeat is not down to one man, it was 11 against 11, just like our last two series wins were wins for the team."

Shoaib took no part on day three of the deciding Test in Rawalpindi, his home city, after hurting his back.

But he slogged 28 off 14 balls on the final day, prompting skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq to afterwards query just how series the injury was.

"You need the whole body to be perfect when you bowl - it is different when you are batting. I am surprised how someone can think I was not badly injured," said Shoaib.

We depended a lot on Akhtar - he let us down badly Inzamam-ul-Haq Skipper queries Shoaib injury

Inzamam was also angry about phone calls Shoaib reportedly made to former captain Rashid Latif to complain he was not being given the field placing he wanted.

But the paceman replied: "I can call anyone from Wasim Akram to Waqar Younis to Latif. It was just an advice-seeking call about regaining my rhythm and I never complained about anything."

Shoaib insisted the future was bright for the Pakistan team, despite losing to their arch-rivals.

"We did well in Lahore and won. No-one criticised us then and now everyone gets out the knives after the defeat."

He added: "We have lost and let the fans down, but we are a good and young team and we need time to mature."

The reaction of the Pakistan media was unforgiving.

"Pakistan just threw in the towel," wrote columnist Omar Kureishi.

He was also surprised by the physical approach taken by Shoaib during his cameo innings as Pakistan slumped towards defeat.

"Either he had made a visit to Lourdes for a miracle cure or he had bathed in some sacred waters, for he showed no signs of injury," Kureishi added.