Akthar optimistic about comeback by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

Shoaib Akhtar

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DateLine: 25th July 2006

 

Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar insisted he would bowl faster than ever if he recovers in time for the third Test against England later this month.

 

The `Rawalpindi Express’, who has been sidelined with knee and ankle injuries for months, has been ruled out of the first two Tests against England.

 

Shoaib is optimistic that he may be ready to make his return at Headingley on August 3. "I've worked really hard for this series and I wanted to start right against England. I worked hard but I tried to do too much too early and I got a couple of niggles. I think I will be a yard quicker when I do come back. I hope to bowl quicker in this series and if I get some good match practice I'll be right up there, " said the Pakistani ace bowler.

 

Shoaib has not played since appearing in the first Test against India at Karachi in February.