Howrah News Service -  Latest news and headlines on Howrah,West Bengal and World: Shoaib starts light training

Shoaib starts light training
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ASIANAGE on 16 July, 2008 02:48:49
 
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.