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Rediff.com  » Sports » Shoaib in doubt for charity match

Shoaib in doubt for charity match

By Julian Linden
January 05, 2005 16:30 IST
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Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is in doubt for Monday's fundraising match for victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake after injuring his hamstring in the final Test against Australia.

Shoaib was selected in the combined Asian team to play the rest of the world in Melbourne but may have to pull out after completing just 15 overs against Australia.

"He's complaining of a hamstring injury at the moment," Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said on Wednesday. "He is having a scan at four o'clock on Thursday and hopefully we will see how fit he is after that."

Woolmer said he was disappointed with Shoaib's efforts in the final Test after he had bowled so well in the first two.

"Certainly this match he was a shadow of himself. Everyone was disappointed with his commitment.

"From a team point of view, we understand that he's given everything in the first two test matches but it didn't go for him in this Test."

Woolmer admitted his team had been outclassed but was pleased with the way some of the younger players performed, particularly leg spinner Danish Kaneria.

"He'll grow as a bowler. He has all the tricks of the trade and he's got a terrific future as a Ttest match bowler.

"It was really good to get young bowlers onto the field and see how they stood up. There's plenty of young cricketers in Pakistan who have the spirit and fight to succeed."

Pakistan will now play a triangular limited-overs competition with Australia and West Indies and Woolmer said captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was hoping to play in the series after his injured back started to show signs of healing.

All rounder Shoaib Malik was also hoping to play after he was reported for a suspect bowling action and did not play in the third test because of fears he might be suspended.

"We want to try and get him cleared before the one-day series," said Woolmer.

"We've been working on his action to try and correct it and I can't see any semblance of a throw at all.

"A genuine throw and a bowl with a slightly bent arm are two difference things. Hopefully, the university in Perth will clear him."

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Julian Linden
Source: REUTERS
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