LAHORE, Oct 17: Paceman Shoaib Akhtar and leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmad have to prove their form and fitness in the trial match before being considered for the Pakistan team for the home series against England, starting from Oct 26.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director cricket operations, Saleem Altaf said on Monday that Shoaib and Mushtaq’s performance in the trial match which was being played at the Qadhafi Stadium from Oct 26 for the selection of the team was the only criteria for their selection.

He said that Mushtaq had a good season in England and hopefully he would also excel in the trial match because a performance in that match was most important.

Mushtaq has been selected for the trial match with the backing of captain Inzamamul Haq and coach Bob Woolmer as both would want another leg-spinner to play alongside first choice Danish Kaneira against England. Mushtaq had lost his place in the Pakistan team two years ago.

Saleem said Shoaib had to prove that he was fully fit for the series and that his performance in the World Series was not that important.

The injury-prone Shoaib Akhtar had missed out back-to-back series held against India and West Indies this year due to fitness problems.

Saleem revealed that though the International Cricket Council (ICC) had allowed lanky paceman Shabbir Ahmed to bowl in the series against England, the bowler would be watched closely by the umpires and referees as the permission was conditional.If reported again Shabbir would face one year ban.