Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will miss the third Test against Australia in Sharjah.
He has a sore back and team officials do not want to risk further damage ahead of tours to Zimbabwe and South Africa with the series already lost.
Aussies seek clean sweep
“Shoaib is suffering from a back problem and is not available for the third Test and will be flying back home Friday night,” team manager Brigadier Mohammad Nasir revealed.
The 27-year-old has had a number of injuries in the past but has been in magnificent form this year, sending down a 100mph delivery during a one-day game against New Zealand.
He also took five for 21 during the first Test in Colombo to give Pakistan a chance of victory, but Australia eventually squeezed home by 41 runs.
Steve Waugh’s side then took an unassailable 2-0 lead by dismissing Pakistan for just 59 and 53 in the second Test Sharjah, winning the game by an innings and 198 runs.
Pakistan hope to restore some pride in the final game, but the loss of Shoaib is a major blow to their chances.
He will be replaced by Mohammad Sami or Mohammad Zahid.
“The injury to Shoaib is certainly a big blow, but nothing could be done about it. We have to play with the available talent,” said Pakistan captain Waqar Younis.
If Zahid is chosen, it will be his first Test appearance for more than four years because of injury problems.
He took 11 wickets in his debut Test against New Zealand in 1996-97, but was then out of cricket for two years.
Pakistan should always cross their fingers whenever they are selecting Shoaib Akhter, he either gets injured during a match or series ..... its been happening so many times, and Pakistan cant afford to take these blows, they still can get players when they playing home series, but for away series its a disaster, kitna kharcha karwate hain humare player!!!
Mohammad Zahid should be given a chance for sure now...We hae all seen Mohammad Sami, he isn't so great, and since we have already lost the series, Zahid should be given a chance
okay on a serious this is a big blow for Pakistan the only hope for Pak to give Aus a somehwat fight was Shoaib and he is injured. I’m sure Waugh brothers and co must be relieved big time.
For God sake I am fedup of this rat and cat game. We dont want "moom kee gurya" in our team. He should be rested for a long time until he is fit to play atleat 10/15 games in a row.
Right that he is fastest , right that he is god bowler but see what happens is that when he gets out someone else gets a chance of playing only 1-2 matches and then when he announces his "come back" that part timer has to go out ir-respective of how he performes.
In Every 2nd match he has to rest. Come on itna hee nazuk hay tu ghar baith jayee na.
Very sad news!
I don’t blame Shoaib, he can’t control his body when you are a super fast bowler.
He gave his 110%.
Atleast he is not like other cricketers who leave their team handicapped against Australia.
Stupid reasoning. There have been numerous fast bowlers like Dennis Lillie, Micheal Holding, Joel Garner, Marshall, Andy Roberts ,McGrath for that matter even Waqar but nobody is/was as “najook” as Shoaib… If only he starts bowling to the batsman rather than to the Gallery…he will be just fine… even injury prone great soccer players dont sit out of matches as frequently as he does…
Well it was sad to read some disturbing news ,true or not, I will leave it upto you. Shaoib had a minor niggle on his back and denis wright said its upto Shoaib. He can play if he wants cuz its not even an injury. It was also mentioned Shoaib decided to opt himself out despite the constant pleas by Waqar and Pybus.
Well he almost collapsed in the previous test and I'm not surprised he is backing out.
IS this the same shaoib who wanted to lead the Pakistani side?...
Stupid reasoning. There have been numerous fast bowlers like Dennis Lillie, Micheal Holding, Joel Garner, Marshall, Andy Roberts ,McGrath for that matter even Waqar but nobody is/was as "najook" as Shoaib... If only he starts bowling to the batsman rather than to the Gallery....he will be just fine.... even injury prone great soccer players dont sit out of matches as frequently as he does...
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The bowlers you just mentioned above weren't super fast bowlers as Shoaib, the only man he should be compared to is Jeff Thompson, who I don't know much, there isn't a single bowler who constantly bowls in his high 90s, Brett Lee might bowl in mid 90s every 1 or 2 overs but he is ordinary.
And please people don't make any negative comments, he is a human being. If you want him to bowl fast and take wickets consistently than he will breakdown once in a while as long as its not longterm.
The only way he can be successful if he bowl 90+ reverse swingers, and that takes alot of energy specially in Sharjah.
So please no complaining.
If he is injured like he says then he shouldn't be played on the tour of Zimababwe and he should be kept for South Africa only.
To me it really doesn't matter how fast Shoaib bowls. I would prefer a Wasim Akram,Dennis Lillee,Marshal,Holding,Mcgrath anyday over Shoaib. Having Shoaib in the team is always a risk , a risk at every ball he is going to bowl - Poor Captain doesn't even know If he is going to bowl the next ball.
What is the use of bowling so fast that you cant complete a series without getting injured. It clearly says that he is bowling beyond his limits , more than his body is allowing him to. Pakistan was winning more matches with Wasim & Waqar.
Shoaib cant be compared to these greats, not now atleast (may be once his career is over) - It will be an insult to them, their stamina, their bowling.
