Akhtar to return for third Test

Shoaib Akhtar, the Pakistani paceman who is recovering from an ankle injury, is expected to return for the third Test against England which starts on the 4th of August at Headingley in Leeds.

However, Pakistan’s coach, Bob Woolmer, said that Shoaib would not be rushed into the side if he is not ready to play.

“Shoaib’s appearance in the third Test would be the first prize,” the coach said. “The third Test will be pushing it, though, because a stress fracture requires time to heal… We can’t overdo it. In ten days we’ll know if he can start bowling.”

If he recovers in time for the third test, Shoaib vowed that he would try and bowl even faster than ever to the English batsmen:

“I think I will be a yard quicker when I do come back. If I get some good match practice, I’ll be right up there – I’m not going to get slower, trust me.”

Despite Shoaib’s enthusiasm, the final say on whether he is to play the third Test ultimately lies with Woolmer. If he does take to the field, though, you can bet that he won’t hold back.