Qamar Ahmed: Wasim likely to be fit by end of September (13 Aug 1997)

13 August 1997

Wasim likely to be fit by end of September

By Qamar Ahmed

LONDON, Aug 12: Wasim Akram, the Pakistani all-rounder, is likely to be fit to play again from the end of next month. Wasim, who was operated on his bowling arm in a London hospital on July 19 to repair the damaged tissue in the shoulder of his left-arm, is now recuperating at home in Manchester and undergoing an intensive physiotherapy course to get himself fit.

On Aug 29 he has an appointment in London with his surgeon at the Clamentine Churchil Hospital to gauge the improvement on his bowling arm. The operation, according to the former Pakistan captain, is successful and he is now able to move his arm unrestricted. "I am now feeling a lot better, the pain in my shoulder is now gone and the movement has started to come back I can now raise my arm above my head and touch my other arm well raised." says Wasim.

Wasim is confident that with proper discipline and exercise, as suggested by his doctor, he will be able to play again at the top level. "I will try myself in a couple of matches after September to find out if I can bowl with as much freedom and without pain. The surgeon seems to have done a good job and he is confident that I shall be able to bowl again with the same pace," Wasim said on Tuesday.

Wasim, who has been awarded 1998 as his benefit year by Lancashire, however, may have to be released in his final year contract next year with the county if he is asked to take instead a bowling coach offer to accommodate Australian spinner Shane Warne.

Counties like Sussex, Northamptonshire and Lancashire are in line to hire the ace Australian for next summer on an estimated contract which may go over 100,000 pounds.

In case of Lancashire being successful in their bid, Wasim may have to stay with the county as a bowling coach in his benefit year. "If it comes to that I shall not mind. It will give me more time to play for Pakistan and remain fitter," admits Wasim.

The only cricketer to have taken over 300 wickets in Tests and in one-day games, Wasim, who was 31-year-old last June, is confident that he can last at the top level for a few more years if he manages to keep himself in trim and peak physical condition."Injuries are a part of sportsmen. I am disappointed that I had to miss some matches."

Source:: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)