Asif set to return for final Test

Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan fast bowler, will rejoin the team in England before the fourth Test at The Oval after passing a fitness test conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The PCB's director of cricket, Saleem Altaf, told The News, "He bowled nine to ten overs at full stretch, pain-free and hassle-free."

Asif returned home before the first Test at Lord's due to an elbow injury, forcing Pakistan to field a depleted pace attack, with the absence of Shoaib Akhtar and Naved-ul-Hasan. Pakistan are yet to bowl England out in the two Tests so far, and in the first day's play in the third Test at Headingley yesterday, England finished on a healthy 347 for 6. His return should boost Pakistan's bowling attack tremendously.

Asif will have the chance to gain some match practice in a three-day match against West Indies A Shenley starting August 12. Pakistan are trailing England 0-1 in the four-Test series and Asif said that Shoaib's possible return should propel Pakistan. "I just hope that Shoaib Akhtar is also fit to play at The Oval and, hopefully, we can bring Pakistan back 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."

When asked about the prospect of Shoaib Malik and Naved-ul-Hasan returning for The Oval, Altaf said that they are yet to recover from their respective injuries and the five-match one-day series that follows the Tests would be a more realistic target.