Shoaib may play England ODIs

Shoaib Akhtar has a slim chance of playing in the one-day series against England according to the latest scan reports on his injured ankle.

Saleem Altaf, director cricket operations PCB, told Reuters "The latest scan reports we have got from abroad say he needs to rest for six to eight weeks." Earlier reports, which revealed he was still suffering from a hairline fracture of the ankle since December last year, suggested Shoaib would be back in six weeks.

Altaf added, "The indications are that he will be ready for the one-dayers but that depends on how his rehabilitation goes and the selectors and team management." Pakistani selectors will make changes for the ODI squad only after the four-match Test series.

Meanwhile, Waqar Younis, Pakistan's bowling coach, who is training the selected bowlers in a preparatory camp in Lahore, said although Shoaib's pace would be missed the others are capable of adjusting well to English conditions.

"They are all experienced performers with a lot of skills. We have a good balanced and potent attack for England," he said. Waqar joined the training camp only this week, having been unwell when it started.

Mohammad Asif also reported at the training camp after being allowed to miss a conditioning camp that preceded the ongoing training exercise as he was playing in county cricket for English side Leicestershire. He was retained in the 16-man squad for the England when it was announced last week.

The Pakistani players, apart from their routine training, are working from former South African Test player Jonty Rhodes at the camp. Rhodes was hired by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a fielding consultant for a brief two-week stint to help bring some improvement in the players' fielding abilities ahead of the marathon tour of England.