Shoaib starts light training

By Bipin Dani

Mumbai

July 16: In the event pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar is ruled out for the Champions Trophy due to fitness problems, the Pakistan selectors are likely to include Mohammad Talha, it is learnt here. "He (Talha) has been kept as a stand-by," a PCB source said. "The selectors are still unsure about Shoaib’s fitness and therefore this decision."

The 20-year-old Talha is a right arm medium pace bowler playing for Faisalabad. He has captured 18 wickets in the eight first class matches he has played so far for his team.

Shoaib Akhtar’s fitness and doping tests, along with others will be carried out at the training camp to be held from July 22 at Abottabad, the principal city in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Shoaib’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy probables will also be subject to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s governing body approval, it is learnt here.

The bowler has commenced light training after paying a visit to Islamabad recently.

Skipper Shoaib Malik was not present during the selection of the 30 probables. Coach Geoff Lawson had been sounded out about the composition of the team later before it was announced. "Inputs for the team selection also came from from National Cricket Academy director Mudassar Nazar," the source added.