30 January 2005	Sunday	19 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Jan 29: Express Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said on Saturday his injury in Australia was disappointing but insisted that his performance was not below the mark.

"I am disappointed to have fitness problems which forced me to return from the Australian tour in the last phase but you can't say my tour was disappointing," Shoaib said.

The 29-year-old pace bowler injured his hamstring in Pakistan's tri-series match against the West Indies last week and needs to prove his fitness to selectors ahead of next month's tour of India.

"I played the Sydney Test with injury, otherwise I took eleven wickets in the first two Tests which was not disappointing, and because of my fellow pacer Mohammad Sami also falling injured, our bowling failed in the last Test."

He admitted his regular breakdowns with injury would harm his reputation.

"I know I have to raise my fitness levels but I assure everyone that I never fall short in commitment," said the pacer.

"Every fast bowler had injuries and so have I, mine are more because of the load of bowling, but I always try my best," he added.

The mercurial pace bowler said he was also disappointed over what he saw as a character assassination campaign by the foreign media.

"I am hurt and this ugly campaign of fabricated pictures on the internet, they rub salt to my injury and I think it is character assassination."

Shoaib said he knew the task in next month's series against India would be more difficult.-AFP