COLOMBO, Oct 5: Shoaib Akhtar was understandably elated after his five-wicket haul sparked an Australian collapse in the first Test Saturday.

“I want to be the greatest and this performance has proved yet again that I am the best fast bowler on this planet,” he said.

Shoaib now has 77 wickets from 22 Tests, but 31 of them have been taken this year in only six matches.

He has also excelled in one-day cricket, producing the world’s first 100mph delivery against New Zealand in Lahore and taking five for 13 in Brisbane as Pakistan beat Australia 2-1 in the Super Challenge II series.

“I want to be the best against the best — and my performance against the number one team has proved me the best,” the 27-year-old said.

“I just want to forget every negative thing and do my best for the game and my country,” he added.—PPI