Paceman Asif may be fit for final test

ISLAMABAD, July 31 (Reuters) Pakistani paceman Mohammad Asif has made a good recovery from his elbow injury and could play in the fourth and final test against England at The Oval.

PCB Director of Cricket Operations Saleem Altaf told Reuters today: ''The doctor has said he should be play in practice games which he will do this week and he could be taking part in The Oval test.'' Asif returned from England with fellow paceman Rana Naved and all rounder Shoaib Malik before the first test at Lord's due to fitness problems.

Pakistan have also been without fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar though they hope he will recover from an ankle injury in time for the third test starting on Friday.

The Oval test begins on Aug. 17. England lead the series 1-0.

Reuters AY GC1903