February 18, 2008	Monday	Safar 10, 1429

LAHORE, Feb 17: Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has left for Australia for a final medical check-up for his back problem.

Umar, who had been suffering from the injury for the last five months before he sought medical help abroad, could only partly appear in the home series against South Africa and the one away, against India. He is now hopeful that his doctors in Australia would allow him to resume bowling after the check-up.

“I am not in any pain at the moment, but a final opinion is necessary before starting to bowl again,” he said, adding that he wanted to play at least one match in the ongoing Pentangular Cup to test his fitness before the proposed home series against Australia.

Umar Gul’s fitness is important for him as he has also signed a contract with the Indian Premier League (IPL).