Shoaib Akhtar ready for England


Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar has welcomed the decision of Pakistan's bowling advisory panel, expressing satisfaction with an Australian report clearing his bowling action.

"I am delighted and hope that people will allow me to bowl without any tension," Akhtar told AFP. The 25-year-old underwent tests at the Human Movement and Exercise Science Department of the University of Western Australia after concerns were raised about his action for a second time in New Zealand last month.

"As per the International Cricket Council (ICC) process of dealing bowlers with illegal action the home panel has agreed with the report of Australian experts clearing Akhtar's action," Pakistan Cricket Board operations director Brigadier Munawwar Rana told AFP.

"Akhtar is declared fit as he played few matches in Australia but we will call him on Friday to appear in a fitness test also."

The university's Daryl Foster, who formerly coached Western Australia and English county side Kent, is likely to continue working with Akhtar on Pakistan's forthcoming tour of England.

Former Australian fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee also worked and advised Akhtar during his Australian tour.

"I am grateful to Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia who despite opposition invested a lot of money and attention on me and my regards for Foster, Dennis Lillee and team of doctors," Shoaib said.

"Now my every wicket will be dedicated to Pakistan and all my well wishers. I am feeling great and bowling in the nets and look forward to play in England."

Match referee Ranjan Madugalle reported the matter to ICC after New Zealand's umpires Doug Cowie and Steve Dunne reported Akhtar's action during a one-day match in New Zealand at the end of February.

Akhtar's action was first reported in Australia in December 1999 but then ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya allowed him to play in one-day internationals in Australia in February 2000. Later an ICC ruling also cleared Akhtar to play in Tests.

He missed most of the 2000 season through injury, including a lucrative contract with English county Nottinghamshire.