Shoaib will be lucky if he plays the last Test - Woolmer

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, has said that Shoaib Akhtar's participation in the third Test at Headingley is unlikely and added that he was also doubtful for the fourth Test at The Oval on August 17.

"It is going to take time," Woolmer told The News. "It is not likely that he would be able to play in the third Test and I would consider Shoaib lucky if he plays in the last Test. People should understand that Shoaib has had serious injury problems and has been out of international cricket for quite a long while. He would need more time to get fit enough to play for Pakistan. We have plans for Shoaib to play in the local league but such games are still at least 14 days away."

Abbas Zaidi, the Pakistan board director, had earlier told Reuters that Shoaib had had a meeting with the team physiotherapist and trainer in England and they reported he was physically strong now and looking good for a comeback in a week's time. "Obviously he is an important member of the side and the team management is very keen to have him back as soon as possible," Zaidi added. "His pace gives the team that extra edge."

Shoaib could not give a definite date when he would return to action. "I still can't set a comeback time for Pakistan, though I know the third or fourth Tests have been mentioned. They [the medical staff] don't want me to be breaking down again. I want to be playing for another five years yet so they are looking after my interests and Pakistan's interests," he told Bigstarcricket.com. "I don't feel that is up to me because if it was I would be playing tomorrow and running in hard again.

"I feel really fit and just want to bowl but, after what happened last time, I know I need to listen to my trainers. One thing is for certain and that is when I do play against England I expect to bowl faster and better than when I bowled against them in Pakistan last year."

Shoaib is currently working with Warwickshire as he continues his rehabilitation and is expected to play a couple of games for them before his international return. He has been sidelined since February when he underwent a knee operation in Australia before a reoccurrence of his ankle problem caused him to miss the first Test at Lord's.