Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
watch listenBBC SportBBC Sport
Low graphics|Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Thursday, 13 July 2006, 14:46 GMT 15:46 UK
Shoaib links up with county side
Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib has suffered with a series of injuries this year
Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will train with Warwickshire as he attempts to regain fitness for Pakistan's Test and one-day series against England.

Shoaib was left out of Pakistan's squad because of an ankle stress fracture.

The 30-year-old will arrive at Edgbaston at the weekend and play club cricket to test his fitness.

"They'll try to arrange a couple of club matches to help him come back from his injury," Pakistan cricket boss Shahriyar Khan told bigstarcricket.com.

"He is improving quickly but needs match practice and the weather in Pakistan right now is not conducive to him playing there - it is either too hot or raining.

"So he will train in England and will be checked up by our medical team."

Shoaib has taken 165 Test and 199 one-day international wickets, and claimed 17 scalps to lead Pakistan to a 2-0 win over England in last winter's Test series.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer had two spells in charge of Warwickshire and led them to an unprecedented three titles in 1994.

Warwickshire operations manager Keith Cook confirmed: "Shoaib is going to come to Edgbaston and use our on-site gym as he tries to get fit."

If there are any clubs interested in having Shoaib bowl for them on a Saturday afternoon then that would be useful for us

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer

Woolmer told BBC Test Match Special he hoped to have Shoaib available for action towards the end of the Test series.

"We've not completely given up hope," said Woolmer.

"We're looking to get him going and - touch wood - he might be available for the third and fourth Tests."

The third Test starts on 4 August at Headingley with the fourth two weeks later at The Oval, while a five-match one-day international series starts on 30 August.

"We've had some good news recently. His fracture's virtually healed, so he should be able to start bowling again," added Woolmer.

"We're going to bring him over to England and try to find him some cricket.

"So if there are any clubs interested in having him bowl for them on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon then that would be useful for us."



SEE ALSO
England try to find cutting edge
13 Jul 06 |  England
Injured Shoaib given new contract
12 Jun 06 |  Pakistan
Pakistan leave out bowler Shoaib
08 Jun 06 |  Pakistan
The new Shoaib
04 Dec 05 |  England


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


BBC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Daily and weekly e-mails | Mobiles | Desktop Tools | News Feeds | Interactive Television | Downloads
Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

Help | Privacy & Cookies Policy | News sources | About the BBC | Contact us