Akhtar happy with comeback match by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

Shoaib Akhtar

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DateLine: 7th August 2006

 

Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar was pleased with his form after emerging unscathed from his first match since February.

 

The ‘Rawalpindi Express’, who has been out of cricket while he recovers from a stress fracture of the left ankle, took two wickets for 10 runs in 7.4 overs while playing for Berkswell against St George’s in the Birmingham League.

 

The 31-year-old said: “My game for Berkswell was only supposed to be a leisurely return to bowling but I can tell you that I did not hold back on those club players at times. I thought I bowled quite fast in my first four-over spell, even though my two wickets came later. I bowled at full speed for a couple of overs but came down to about half pace later on as I didn't want to risk a pulled muscle or strain in my first proper bowl in a long time," he explained.

 

The paceman’s previous match was the series-clinching third Test against India at Karachi in January and February.