Surrey name a stand after Saqlain

Saqlain Mushtaq: 'It's a great honour for me to have my name at The Oval' © Getty Images Enlarge

Surrey have named a seating stand at The Oval after Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistani offspinner. Saqlain, who has represented Surrey for several seasons, is the second overseas player after Sylvester Clarke to have a block named after him this season.

"It's a great honour for me to have my name somewhere in the stands at The Oval," Saqlain said to The News. Saqlain was affected by a knee injury last year which forced him out of international cricket. More recently, he missed being selected for the tour to India.

"It has been the most frustrating time for me -- especially to miss the tour of India. But I'm getting treatment and hopefully I should make myself available for the tour of the West Indies in May-June." Saqlain revealed that he would know the exact status of his fitness in April, when doctors have asked him to play a practice game and bowl off a full run-up.

Saqlain last appeared in April 2004 against India in Multan. He has taken 208 Test wickets and 288 one-day wickets.

"I've started bowling off three or four steps and am also batting with a bowling machine," explained Saqlain. "I've also started light training and running. One of my knees is completely healed but there is still a swelling in the other one and for that the specialists are giving me a new treatment through injections. The knee has responded well to the treatment. That's why I'm hopeful of a comeback soon."