Pakistan in England, 2006

Shoaib happy to have found his rhythm

Cricinfo staff

September 1, 2006

'It's my rhythm that concerns me most and I was pleased that it felt good' - Shoaib Akhtar is back, but for how long? © Getty Images

Shoaib Akhtar is happy to be back in international cricket and hopes that he will be able to stay fit and reach his peak at the Champions Trophy to be played in India in October and November.

"I know I can get better and faster," Shoaib told ABC Sport. "It's my rhythm that concerns me most and I was pleased that it felt good. The fact my speeds were getting up towards the middle 90s on some deliveries shows that I haven't lost the ability to bowl fast while I've been out. As any fast bowler knows, the better your rhythm, the quicker you bowl."

Shoaib has been out of serious cricket since India's tour to Pakistan in January this year. On his return he played Pakistan's first-ever Twenty20 match at Bristol against England. He then played the rain-shortened one-day game at Cardiff where he picked up three wickets for 45 in his ten overs.

"The Cardiff match was a nice comeback but it's only the start. The team is playing some really good one-day cricket and I think the only way we will lose this series is if we become complacent.

"If we all stay focused and play to our ability we will take some beating because we have a lethal combination. I don't mean any disrespect to England - they have some dangerous players also - but I just think we have the advantage with experience and ability."

Pakistan have four more one-day matches against England, the next one on September 2 at Lord's.

© Cricinfo

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