Asif cleared to join Pakistan for Oval test

ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (Reuters) Pace bowler Mohammad Asif will rejoin the Pakistan team in England before the fourth test after passing a fitness test conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Asif, who has taken 25 wickets in five tests, returned home before the first test at Lord's because of an elbow injury.

''He bowled nine to 10 overs at full strech pain-free and hassle-free. He is being sent to England before the fourth test at the Oval,'' board official Saleem Altaf told Reuters today.

Asif will play in the two-day game against the West Indies at Shenley from August 12 to gain some match practice before the test starting five days later.

''I just hope that Shoaib Akhtar is also fit to play at the Oval and, hopefully, we can bring back Pakistan into the series,'' Asif said.

''I felt comfortable bowling today and the flow was there. I should be able fit to play the final test.'' Pakistan have fielded a team without Akhtar, Asif and Rana Naved, their three leading pace bowlers, in the first three tests.

Altaf ruled out any prospect of all rounder Shoaib Malik or Naved taking part in the final test.

''The doctors say they still need time to recover from their injuries. For them the one-day series is the target,'' he said.

REUTERS DH HT1810