LAHORE, Sept 1: Speedster Shoaib Akhtar’s fate for the home series against England was discussed at a meeting attended by national selectors, captain Inzamamul Haq and coach Bob Woolmer.

“We discussed strategy for the important series and every other subject, including Shoaib was taken up,” chief selector Wasim Bari told Dawn after the meeting on Thursday.

Bari stated that Inzamam had a positive attitude about Shoaib. “The main positive aspect about Shoaib is that he is playing cricket in England and that is important.”

Shoaib had missed series in India and West Indies — due to fitness and attitude problems. For the Indian tour, Shoaib expressed his non-availability explaining that he was not fit. But for the West Indies he reported himself fit but the PCB did not select him claiming the bowler did not appear fit.

The chief selector stressed said that the series would be a tough one as England was displaying a commendable performance at home in the Ashes series against world champions Australia.

Asked if Pakistan would rely on spin or fast bowlers, Bari pointed out that every point had been discussed but he could not disclose it since it was part of the strategy.

He elaborated that the team which would play with greater confidence had better chances to win.

He said that the meeting was very productive as all three parties exchanged their point of views openly.

The chief selector added that the performance of some probables for the home series against Australia ‘A’ and England would be watched closely by the selection committee in the three-day trial match between Greens and Whites starting at the Qadhafi Stadium from Friday.

The PCB had already announced two teams of 14 players each.

Bari said that 11 players would bat while the captain could use all 14 players when bowling. The first innings would be restricted to 90-over-a-side and the second 45.