November 03, 2007	Saturday	Shawwal 21, 1428

NEW DELHI, Nov 2: Pakistan’s controversial paceman Shoaib Akhtar has vowed to change his “bad boy image” by turning in match-winning performances on the upcoming tour of India.

Shoaib returned to action with fine figures of 4-43 in the last game of the recently concluded One-day International home series against South Africa after serving a 13-match ban imposed on him for a number of disciplinary charges including hitting teammate Asif with a bat.

Shoaib, who is still on probation, admits that he now hopes to set the controversies aside and concentrate on doing his best for the national team.

“I am fed up with this bad boy image given to me. I am as committed a cricketer as anyone else,” Shoaib told Mid Day, a Mumbai-based tabloid.

”I’ve made a few mistakes and learnt from them. I want to make this tour a memorable one for myself and my team.”

Shoaib has now made peace with Asif, who is likely to miss the one-day series due to an elbow injury.

He said: “It is disappointing that Asif is not with us, but I am sure the other bowlers will try their best. Being a senior player, naturally there is extra responsibility on me to do well for the team.”—Agencies