Shoaib challenged to show his true worth

The Pakistan captain believes the fast bowler's international future could be determined by his performances in the one-day series with Australia.

Shoaib Akhtar is poised to make another comeback for Pakistan next week.
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The international future of Shoaib Akhtar, the fast bowler bidding to restore his reputation, could be determined by his performances in the one-day series with Australia, according to Younus Khan, the Pakistan captain. Akhtar, 33, has a chequered injury and disciplinary record, attracting the ire of the Pakistan Cricket Board on numerous occasions. Most recently, he arrived last year with the Pakistan team in Abu Dhabi for the three one-dayers against the West Indies yet limped off even before a ball was bowled.

"Shoaib is in the team because has passed his fitness test," said Younus. "You will be able to see if Shoaib is fit or not in a week's time. "I believe he should be given his chances. After the series, we can make our judgments. "In the past, he turned up with the team but not played. At other times, he claims he was not being played. "So my effort will be to give him all the encouragement he needs and give him every opportunity. Whether he plays or not, you will see him on the ground. Anyway, cricket is a team game. I will try to keep it simple. I will encourage my players to play their natural game."

arizvi@thenational.ae