Pakistan fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, undergoes dope test
The world’s faster bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, has undergone a dope test before the start of International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2011. The mega event starts from 19 February, 2011, and the Rawalpindi Express is expected to be the star bowler for the
Pakistan side.
The ICC drug inspector said, “It’s normal to test players before and during a tournament,” he said. “Nothing fishy about it. Others will also be tested.” Akhtar who has been absent from the cricket scene for the past three years due to various injuries and
the usage of a banned substance, was recalled for a dope test by the ICC drug inspection team on Wednesday. The speedster tested positive for the banned drug, Nandrolone, in 2006. This led to his suspension from cricket.
The ageing cricket star has to be completely fit and ready for a warm-up match against England on 18 February, in Fatullah, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747. The bowler did not play in the last practice match against Bangladesh on 15 February. The coach of the Pakistani team
confirmed that Akhtar had yet to regain full fitness. His fitness has been an issue over the past couple of years. He had to undergo liposuction before his comeback so that he would meet the weight requirements for the team. The fast bowler’s career has been
overshadowed by off-the-field controversies but it appears he is focusing only on cricket nowadays.
The fast bowler has struggled a lot after his injuries and controversies but surprisingly has returned to the cricket world with Waqar Younis, who has been appointed coach for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755. History shows that whenever Waqar Younis is associated with the Pakistan
team, Shoaib Akhtar makes a strong comeback to the side. Younis has been quoted as saying, “Shoaib is not in touch at the moment. It is important he gets into full throttle before we get him into the side.”
Akhtar has a record of taking 224 wickets in 160 One Day Internationals (ODI’s) at an average of 24.78. He recently played in the series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 where his improvements were evident. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gambled when they selected
the not completely fit bowler for the team. The coach and players seem to be hoping that he regains full fitness just in time to help their team in the mega event.
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