I'm bad news for England: Akhtar

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar warned Nasser Hussain's team to prepare for some "bad news" as he flew out from Pakistan to join his team mates in England on Monday.

Shoaib, who faces a race against time to try and earn selection for the first test after missing the start of the two-test tour, said: "I am fit and in a proper frame of mind... They (England) haven't faced me but I am sure they are aware of what I am capable of.

"I am sure it is a bad news for the English team."

Shoaib, one of the fastest as well as one of the most controversial bowlers in the world and dubbed the "Rawalpindi Express", failed to fly out with the rest of the 17-man squad last week after failing a medical.

But he was given permission to travel by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) panel of doctors on Saturday.

"Shoaib left Lahore for England on Monday morning and in all probability will be available for the second tour match," director of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Munawwar Rana told Reuters.

Shoaib, who has just been cleared after being reported for a suspect bowling action for the second time in his career, missed Pakistan's test series in New Zealand in March with a thigh injury.

The 25-year-old, who has taken 45 wickets in 15 tests, will be challenging Wasim Akram and Mohammad Sami for a place alongside captain Waqar Younis in the Pakistan pace attack.

Question marks remain over his match fitness, though.

Shoaib, who had not played in a competitive game since February 28, appeared in a club match on Friday but failed to take a wicket in six overs costing 20 runs.

He seemed unconcerned, however, adding: "I think this tour will help me put my cricket back on track.

"I think I will be more aggressive and fearsome because I will be trying to make up for the lost time."

The tourists have two more warm-up matches against county opposition before the first test, starting at Lord's on May 17. They end their tour with a triangular one-day series also involving Australia.

Mail Cricket Editor