December 17, 2007	Monday	Zilhaj 6, 1428

MELBOURNE, Dec 16: Shaun Tait fears doubts about the legality of his action may haunt him for some time to come even as he got support from Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who said the allegations against the Australian were nonsense.

“It’s the worst thing any bowler could face. I just hope something like this doesn’t hang over me for the rest of my career like it has with Muralitharan,” Tait said.

“I know it’s [my action] a bit unique. I tend to turn my wrist very late at the point of delivery, but never at any stage of my career has anyone tried to suggest I chuck. I’m not happy about it at all but I’m not the sort of bloke to lose sleep over it,” he was quoted as saying by Sunday Mail.

Tait found support from Shoaib Akhtar, whose own action has been questioned time and again. The Pakistan bowler felt the allegations by the New Zealand team were part of a smear campaign.

“My advice is to leave Shaun Tait alone. There is no way in the world Tait is a chucker. They (Kiwis) seem to have a problem just because he bowls with express pace. The Kiwis tried to do this to me in 2001,” Shoaib lashed out in an interview to the Herald Sun.

“I had just come back from injury and a certain player - I won’t name him - made a complaint about my action. What they are doing to Tait is terrible,” he added.

The Pakistan speedster advised Australians to pick Shaun Tait for the upcoming series against India.

“Australians must pick Shaun Tait. Indians will be scared of him. They’re not comfortable with pace at all,” Akhtar said.

India take on Australia in four-Test series starting from Dec 26.

Shoaib felt the hosts need to prepare quick and bouncy tracks to shake up formidable batting line-up of the visiting side.

“If Aussies make nice quick pitches, they [Indians] will be jumping all over the place.”

Shoaib also urged Australia to go ahead with the tour of Pakistan next March despite security concerns being raised by all-rounder Andrew Symonds.

“My message is don’t be afraid. We will look after you. Come play some tough cricket and we’ll look forward to it,” he said.—Agencies