Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said he wanted to get his fitness
problems sorted out once and for all during the lean cricketing season to come
back tougher for the home series against South Africa in September.
Shoaib, who has not been named even in the probables for the Abu Dhabi
series against Sri Lanka, said he would make full use of the gap.
"I'm fit. I never said I was unfit. I had a knee injury
before the World Cup but I just need a little bit more time to get fitter and
get myself sorted out properly once and for all," he was quoted as saying
by 'The News'.
Shoaib, who has played only few One-dayers before the dope
controversy during the Champions Trophy last year, said his prolonged
absence would give opportunity to trial fast bowlers from the domestic scene.
Abdul Rauf and Mohammad Irshad may get a chance in the series
and there might even be a return for Mohammad Khalil.
"This is the right time to invest some time in myself and let the youngsters
go out there and show something that they can do. It'll be nice to see some
youngsters come through, do well for the country. It's a healthy sign,"
he said.
Shoaib said he was not keen to become the captain but just
wanted to focus on serving the team and support skipper.
"Captaincy and all these things do not matter to me. You have probably
seen it now that a lot of other people are interested in being captain. I never
said I wanted to be because right now I want to focus on just serving the team
and my country...
"I'm not one of those guys who creates problems. I never have and I never
will. He will be fully supportive and we will help him to win because ultimately
that is what matters."
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