| Shoaib Targets England Tour |
| Mar 2, 2006 | Shoaib Akhtar |
Pakistan's leading fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar rubbished reports about his career being in jeopardy and said he hoped to be fit for Pakistan's tour of England from June.
Shoaib, 30, had surgery in Melbourne on Tuesday to repair both his damaged knees in an effort to help him back to full fitness. He is also recovering from a stress fracture in his ankle.
Famed Australian surgeon Dr. David Young conducted the keyhole operation on Shoaib, who played in six straight Tests from November through to January, and gave him reason to be optimistic afterwards.
"Dr Young told me that the surgery was a success and I would be able to get back on my feet by Monday(INSHALLAH)," the Press Trust of India quoted Shoaib as saying. "In another eight weeks I would be able to get back to business, which means I should be able to catch the flight to England."(INSHALLAH)
Pakistan tour England between June and September and will play four Tests and five one-day internationals. He currently has 165 Test and 199 one-day wickets.
"There will be no further surgeries," Shoaib added. "I had two surgeries within six hours when the bleeding in my left knee didn't stop and the doctors had to re-stitch the wound.
"Dr Young has told me that he would recommend the PCB not to over-stress me because that can recur the injury which may end my career prematurely. But I must say that I have been very well taken care of by the PCB.
"Not only the top PCB hierarchy was in touch with me but skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq and coach Bob Woolmer were calling me twice daily."
The setback will mean Shoaib has to miss his coutry's tour of Sri Lanka this month, but the England tour, Champions Trophy in September and the World Cup early next year will be more important on his and the Pakistan Cricket Board's schedule
Anupamaa
