August 02, 2006	Wednesday	Rajab 6, 1427

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

LAHORE, Aug 1: Pakistan’s talented fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who returned from England last month after sustaining an elbow injury prior to the Test series, appeared well on his way to recovery on Tuesday as he sent down five overs without experiencing any pain in his arm.

Cheered on by a number of fans present at the National Cricket Academy ground, the young pacer bowled a short spell after receiving a go ahead from the Pakistan Cricket Board specialist Dr Meesaq Rizvi on Monday to resume bowling.

Looking satisfied with the bowler’s progress so far, Dr Rizvi said Asif was recovering well from his elbow problem.

Earlier, on Monday, Asif bowled three overs with a shorter run-up at the NCA ground in the presence of PCB Director Cricket Operations, Saleem Altaf and another PCB specialist, Dr Sohail Saleem.

"I do not feel any pain whatsoever after bowling these overs and the doctor has advised me to increase the number of overs gradually," Asif told newsmen afterwards. "I am extremely keen to get fit before the start of the fourth Test against England at The Oval (from Aug 17). Ideally, I would like to test my match-fitness in the two-day game against the West Indies ‘A’ that commences at Shenley from Aug 12," said the lanky medium-pacer.

Dr Sohail, speaking to Dawn on Tuesday, expressed hope that Asif will be able to join the touring Pakistanis pretty soon. "I am hopeful that Asif will make himself available for some part of the Test series. That said, I will not take any risks with his fitness if there is even a semblance of doubt in it," he said.

According to reports, the Pakistan team management is in constant contact with the PCB’s panel of doctors and Asif’s steady progress back home will be a relief to them, specially after the team’s dismal show at Old Trafford.

Commenting on Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test, Asif said he was extremely disappointed by the result and was feeling frustrated at not being able to help his teammates at this crucial juncture.

Asif sustained his elbow injury during the four-day match against England 'A', which forced him to return home alongwith all-rounders Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Shoaib Malik who are nursing groin and elbow injuries respectively.