Asif set for Pakistan return
Inzamam will be hoping to avoid a 3-0 series defeat
Also In The News
|
West Ham striker Dean Ashton has broken his ankle on the eve of his first start for the full England team and will miss the start of the new Premiership season. |  |
Wednesday, 16, Aug 2006 09:22
Seamer Mohammad Asif is set to return to the Pakistan starting line-up for the final Test against England at The Oval.
Asif has missed the entire series because of an elbow injury but has played a couple of games in Pakistan as part of his recovery.
Now with Pakistan looking to salvage some pride in the final game, Asif may be brought into the team to add extra bite to the tourists' attack.
"Maybe Asif will play as he is bowling well and he's played two or three games in Pakistan, so he's 100 per cent fit." Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's captain, said.
"Asif bowls a good line and length and he's a very positive, attacking bowler. He also knows how to take wickets, that's the main thing."
Pakistan have been without three of their main strike bowlers throughout the series in England because of injury.
Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Shoaib Akhtar will not be risked though so that they will be ready for the one-day series, which begins on August 30th.
Pakistan will once again field a different opening partnership though as Imran Farhat will miss the game with a broken finger and Mohammad Hafeez will come in.
However, despite their injury problems, Inzamam refused to blame them for his side's series defeat.
"It's not possible to win every time and England are playing tremendously and their batting has been wonderful," Inzamam added.
Pakstan will be looking to continue their good run of form at The Oval, having won their last two visits in 1992 and 1996.