`Injured` Gul hoping for bowling return in time for October series against Proteas

Islamabad: Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has said that he is hoping to be fit and back to bowling in time for the series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October.

Gul is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, undergoing rehabilitation following knee surgery, and his return for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour remains unlikely. A report said that Gul sustained the knee injury in March during the second ODI against South Africa in Centurion and has been sidelined since. Although he is hoping to be fit in time for the Zimbabwe tour, Gul, however, said that his main target is the South Africa series, which will be hosted by Pakistan in the UAE , adding that he is currently gaining back his strength with gym work and will start bowling with a run-up within a few days. However, Gul, who has restricted himself to the gym and bowling from a spot along with minor jogging, further said that he does not want to press for a hasty return and take risks, adding that he would take his time to recover fully. Meanwhile, Gul spoke about the importance of having a senior bowler with the mix of inexperienced fast bowlers even though Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan have become an integral part of the Pakistan attack, adding that having a senior around will be supportive for the youngsters to help them cope with pressure. ANI