Akhtar sets target

Shoaib Akhtar has set himself a target of being fit for the World Cup.

Akhtar tore his hamstring during the second Test in South Africa last month, a game which marked his comeback to the game after a year’s absence. Speaking to reporters, Shoaib said, ” I was willing to take injections and bowl in the second innings of the test, but doctors told me I should not take the risk of a further injury…I was told to return to
Pakistan and recover from my injury to prepare for the World Cup which is my main target now.”

Naturally, Akhtar was also questioned about the televised incident which saw him and Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer almost come to blows in the dressing room. According to Akhtar, “There was an incident and it occurred because of a misunderstanding…Woolmer didn’t realise how serious my injury was and I reacted strongly to his queries. But it is
now sorted out.”

It is believed that Woolmer had questioned the seriousness of the injury, in which case he would be far from the first person to do so.