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Inzamam, Shoaib fit for second Test
December 22, 2004 14:45 IST
Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar have been cleared to play in the second Test against Australia starting in Melbourne on Sunday.Inzamam has been suffering from a long-term back problem while Shoaib injured his shoulder and ankle in the crushing first Test defeat in Perth.
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said there was no miracle remedy for Inzamam's back troubles but the skipper was able to control it through exercise and swimming.
"It's one of those horrible things that can flare up at any time and we have to try and manage it now," Woolmer said.
"We weren't sure what it was for a long time so we're very happy we've found out. Now we know it's going to be helped by certain types of exercises."
Woolmer, meanwhile, said he had given up on trying to persuade Shoaib, widely regarded as the fastest bowler in the world, to shorten his run-up.
Woolmer made the request because of an International Cricket Council's clampdown on slow over rates but was told by the bowler: "It's hard for a jet plane to take off without a runway."
"It's an ongoing discussion," Woolmer added, saying any change would have to be done after the three-Test tour.