Woolmer: Shoaib not ready yet
Woolmer: Shoaib not ready yet
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Wednesday, 26, Jul 2006 10:37
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has confirmed paceman Shoaib Akhtar will not be ready for the next two Tests.
Akhtar was hoping to be back for the Old Trafford Test match after recovering from a stress fracture of the ankle but Pakistan have decided not to rush him back after he came back too quickly from his last injury.
The Old Trafford pitch is likely to suit Akhtar's pace but Woolmer has insisted he wasn't tempted to reintroduce him.
"I'd love to have him on this particular pitch but we don't have Shoaib Akhtar available for this Test, or the next Test match," Woolmer said.
"Shoaib Akhtar on a bouncy pitch would be a handful but he's not ready. He's still ten days away from bowling."
Pakistan have been looking at their options since the first Test and a number of rumours have been circulating about their selection, especially after Shahid Afridi looked like he would be out through injury.
Sussex leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed was reportedly considered and while Woolmer admitted he was thought about, he isn't currently in line for a call-up.
"We did consider Mushtaq but we've had a look at the pitch and feel we have a balanced attack for it," Woolmer added.
Woolmer has also called on Pakistan's batsmen to supplement Mohammad Yousef and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq's efforts with the bat.
They were the leading Pakistan batsmen at Lord's, with Yousef winning the man of the match award after his double-hundred in the first innings.