Shoaib still in contention for Test series against England

Lahore, June 9 (UNI) Shoaib Akhtar may have been excluded from the 16-member Pakistan squad for the tour of England but all is not lost for the pacer yet as chief selector Wasim Bari told that the ''Rawalpindi Express'' would be considered for the last two Test matches, provided he recovers fully from the ankle injury.

''If Shoaib manages to get himself hundred per cent fit, then he has every chance to join the team in England during the Test series,'' Bari told ''The News''.

The former Test player said he had no doubts in mind that Shoaib was Pakistan's most lethal wicket-taking bowler who would be back in the squad as soon as he overcames his injury woes.

Shoaib, who hurt his ankle again during practice, could begin bowling after four to six weeks and would require even more time to regain full match fitness, Bari said.

Earlier, Paistan Cricket Board confirmed receiving a second opinion from a medical specialist in South Africa regarding Shoaib's inujured ankle.

''It mainly confirms the original diagnosis that while Shoaib Akhtar can walk and run almost pain-free, his original stress fracture has not yet fully healed. Shoaib Akhtar would, therefore, only be able to bowl at international level in 4-6 weeks time as long as he continues to maintain a strict nutritional and rehabilitation programme,'' it said.

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