Shoaib to miss Indian sojourn

Shoaib Akhtar, currently recovering from a hamstring problem, has admitted that he might not play the one-day internationals against India due to the injury. Shoaib told The News that although he was feeling a lot better, he would require another three weeks before he could resume bowling.

"I don't think I would be able to play the one-day series," said Shoaib. "I am trying hard to get fit but the problem still exists although I am feeling a little better, and according to [the] doctor it requires another three weeks before I even start bowling at the nets again. My hamstring is still very weak and doctor has advised complete rest."

Shoaib's admission was in contrast to the statement made by Saleem Altaf, the Pakistan team manager, that Shoaib would be fit ahead of the one-dayers or even the third Test at Bangalore. However, Akhtar brushed off the claims, saying, "This is just a rumour. I do not think I would be able to play even in one-dayers, and participating in the last Test is totally out of [the] question."