Shoaib Akhtar fails second fitness test – ICC World Cup 2011
Sources in the Pakistan team have revealed to media that the chances of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to play in the much-anticipated India-Pakistan semi-final at Mohali are very low because he has failed the second fitness test Wednesday morning.
Akhtar has played only three matches of the ongoing tournament and has not been able to give an outstanding performance. In Pakistan’s group match defeat to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754, Akhtar had a poor spell and he claimed one wicket for 70 runs in nine overs.
The pacer then announced his retirement from International cricket on 17th March before Pakistan’s quarter-final against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391.
Many of the former Pakistan players and cricket experts have stressed that the management should play Shoaib in the high-voltage semi-final against arch-rivals http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wasim-Akram-c96292 has said that Akhtar should be included in the
playing 11 in the semi-final because he proves dangerous against the Indians. On the other hand, pacer Umar Gul also said that Akhtar is experienced and his presence will take pressure off his shoulders. Gul gave a remarkable bowling performance in the tournament
after Afridi by claiming 14 wickets including his best figure of 3/30 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746.
In addition, legendary cricketer Imran Khan, along with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Javed-Miandad-c66580 also suggested that Pakistan should play Akhtar in the semi-final.
On the other hand, skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 and Coach Waqar Younis earlier told media outlets that the pacer, after announcing the retirement, has lost interest in cricket and did not show any impressive form in the practice session.
Akhtar came to the limelight for his outstanding performance in the 1999 World Cup where he played a key role in taking http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 to the final by claiming 16 wickets. However, most of his cricketing career was wasted due to doping and other issues. Australian
former skipper, Ricky Ponting, also admitted that Akhtar was the fastest bowler he had ever faced.
According to experts, Mohali conditions are more suited to pacers than the spinner, so Akhtar’s inclusion is thought to be in the favour of Pakistan.
Pakistan have never defeated India in the World Cup however, they beat them in the Mohali in one-day series in 2007.
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