Akhtar fit, calls for better scehdules to avoid injuries

New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) Pakistan's maverick pacer Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that he is back to bowling at his top speed after the knee operation but called for a better management of his work load to avoid future injuries.

''After weeks of hard training and hitting the gym every day I'm pleased to be able to say that it's all going well and my bowling is back up to full speed again,'' Akhtar wrote in his column for a website.

The pacer said he back to his fastst best and the knees, which were operated for a degenerative disease earlier this year, were not causing any problem.

''I'm bowling at 90 miles per hour and I haven't felt any pain in my knees,'' he added.

The speedster said he was well on course for the upcoming away series against England in June but cautioned that his work schedule needs to be handled more ''sensibly''.

Akhtar said though he was looking forward to play the entire series against England but fitness would remain his top concern as he wants to play the World Cup without any physical worries.

''I can't wait any more for England. I'm sure it will be fun,'' he said adding, ''I know my schedule needs to be managed sensibly, as Dr David Young has advised me and the PCB, but that is up to the captain, myself and team management to decide at the time.'' The pacer reiterated that he would not cut down on his pace or run-up and would instead work out harder to stay fit.

''I'm not going to take things easy in case I get injured again.

As I have said before, I won't be bowling any slower or running in off a shorter run. I am working very hard to regain full fitness and will keep doing all the added gym work required to avoid any recurrence,'' he said.

UNI PM AY DS1148