June 28, 2007	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 12, 1428

LAHORE, June 27: Fit-again fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar wants to lead Pakistan's attack against Australia early next year, saying that the world champions bring out the best in him.

The injury-prone 31-year-old paceman is back in the Pakistan team after missing the World Cup in the Caribbean earlier this year due to knee problems. But now he has set his sights on lasting out the forthcoming Test series against South Africa, India and Australia.

“My best comes against Australia. I am confident that I will keep fit and help my team beat Australia,” Shoaib said on Wednesday as a 14-man Pakistan squad left for Scotland.

Pakistan play hosts Scotland in Edinburgh on July 1 before taking on arch-rivals India in Glasgow two days later.

The mercurial bowler, who played just one Test this year due to nagging injury problems, said he enjoyed facing India but added that playing Australia boosted his performances.

“It is always exciting to play against India. But Australia bring out the best in me,” said Shoaib, whose last full series was against the traditional rivals last year.

Pakistan are also due to travel to India later this year.

“I am gearing up for the full season. I hope I keep fit and play a lead role, especially in our home series against Australia,” he added.

Pakistan host Ricky Ponting's men early next year. They have not beaten Australia in a Test series since their 1-0 win at home in 1994-95.

Shoaib’s three appearances against Australia 1999-2000, 2002-03 and 2004-05 each ended with Pakistan losing 3-0.

“I know my fitness will play a major part, but I am confident that I will play my role this season as we have three very important series,” said Shoaib, who was also at the centre of a doping scandal last year.

He and fellow paceman Mohammad Asif were banned for two years and one year respectively after they tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone. The bans were controversially lifted a month later.

An appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the overturning of the ban is still pending in the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Switzerland.

But Shoaib said he had put last year's problems behind him, adding that a stint at a Pakistan army training camp earlier this month had worked wonders.

“This is the best I have felt in my entire career,” said Shoaib, who had twin knee operations last year. He then damaged his hamstring on a tour of South Africa, where he was sent in as reinforcement.

“I hope this is a new start for me and I will do my best to play continuous cricket. I know what is required of me in Tests as well as in One-day Internationals and I am ready to play my part.

“It is never easy coming back from a prolonged lay-off due to fitness issues,” Shoaib told reporters before the team's departure.

“But I am feeling the best I have in my entire career. I see this chance as a new start for me and a chance to end my playing days in a creditable manner,” he said.

The 31-year old, who has taken 169 Test and 208 one-day wickets, said his target was now to remain fit for the coming Test series.

“This is one of the biggest international cricket seasons for Pakistan. We play three of the best teams in the world and I want to be part of it all,” said Shoaib.

Pakistan host South Africa for two Tests and five one-dayers in October and then tour India in November and December for three Tests and five one-day matches before the home series against the Australians in March and April.

“I want to be recognized for my performances and I don't think you can get better opposition to do that than against these three teams.”—Agencies