Akhtar eyeing New Zealand Test series for staging comeback

Lahore, Oct.12 (ANI): Controversial Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who is undergoing a rehabilitation programme in London following a surgery on his left knee, is expected to get fit in time for the forthcoming New Zealand tour.

Sources close to the temperamental speedster said he is trying his best to get fit and return to competitive cricket as soon as possible.

"Akhtar will be fit to play international cricket within a month after undergoing rehabilitation process following the advised rest," The Daily Times quoted sources, as saying.

Akhtar will stay in London for the rehab programme and will return to Pakistan in three weeks' time.

He is expected to play in the final stages of the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the country's premier domestic tournament.

Akhtar last played for Pakistan in the one-day series against Sri Lanka at home earlier this year, but since then he has been out of the national squad because of lack of form and fitness. (ANI)