Pakistan gets specialist advice on Shoaib Akhtar's injury by AFP

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Player:	Shoaib Akhtar
Event:	Pakistan in British Isles 2006

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DateLine: 3rd June 2006

 

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 Saturday.

 

"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 told AFP.

 

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.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)