Akhtar sweats out in the nets

In a sight that did not augur well for the visiting English side, ace Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar sweat it out for long in the nets in Karachi on the fourth day of the preparatory camp, giving positive indications of his fitness.

The 30-year-old, whose chances of making it to the squad for the Multan Test hinge on his performance in the practice match beginning on Wednesday, seemed in fine spirits yesterday as he troubled batsmen for long with his fiery pace.

Shoaib joined the camp two days late and his absence triggered the doubt over his fitness.

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''The talk about his fitness has apparently stung him and he bowled with a lot of fire and enthusiasm today under the watchful eyes of the captain and the coach. The PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan was also present to watch him bowl,'' a player was quoted by 'The News' as saying.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's chances seemed to have received another shot in arm with all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who has been having problems with his elbow, had a good spell in the nets.

Veteran leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is also going to play in the practice match, as his performance would be watched with keen interest.

UNI