Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar could return to Test cricket within the next month.
The express-pace bowler, who took 17 wickets for Pakistan during its surprise 2-0 home Test-series win over England late last year, is expected to join the team in Britain this week..jpg)
Shoaib has undergone treatment for an injured ankle and national coach Bob Woolmer has revealed his star player may return for Pakistan as early as the third Test of the current series against England.
The first Test was drawn at Lord's on Tuesday after Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq helped his side avoid being bowled out on the final day.
Pakistan played the Test without three of its frontline bowlers including Shoaib and Mohammad Asif, who returned home to undergo treatment for an injured elbow.
However, according to Reuters, Woolmer believes Shoaib is an outside chance of starting in the third Test at Headingley.
"We would like to think he's in line for Headingley but there is still plenty of work for him to do," Woolmer said.
"It will depend on how he comes through the next 10 to 15 days."
