Date:12/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/12/stories/2008031259482300.htm

Sport - Cricket

Lawson advises Akhtar to give up Test cricket

Karachi: Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson has advised fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to consider giving up Test cricket due to his dodgy fitness which makes him break down during matches.

In his tour report after the trip to India last year, Lawson had suggested to the Pakistan Cricket Board to play Akhtar in only one-day cricket as his reliability factor was low for Test matches.

“Yes, I have made that suggestion but I have spoken to Shoaib about it and the idea is it would prolong his career,” the Australian said on Tuesday.

Lawson said given the problems Akhtar had faced in recent times with his fitness, it would not be a bad option to concentrate on one type of cricket.

Important member

“A lot of players are doing it — specialising in one mode. I just feel that he is important for the team and if he is more comfortable in the one-day mode, he should concentrate on it instead of Test cricket.”

Akhtar is presently facing serious charges from the PCB on disciplinary grounds and after a strong charge sheet submitted by the Board, could end up facing strong penalties.

The maverick speedster has played just a handful of games since early 2006 due to fitness and disciplinary issues. — PTI