Peshawar, Aug 28: Pakistan's top fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar bemoaned slow and lifeless tracks and oppressive conditions in his home country after demolishing Bangladesh with a six-wicket burst in the second cricket Test here today. "I hope they prepare fast pitches in Pakistan otherwise there is no point in having me," Shoaib, the world's fastest bowler, told reporters after recording second best career figures of 6-50.
Wearing an ice jacket to thwart temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius, Shoaib derailed Bangladesh in a devastating spell on the second day, taking six wickets in just 21 balls.
"The conditions are in total contrast to England where the weather is cold and I could bowl a 12-over spell at a stretch, but here it is difficult even to bowl three overs," said Shoaib, who now has 96 wickets in 27 Tests. Pakistan produced world class pace bowlers in Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis over the last three decades but has failed to develop fast tracks due to hot weather and lack of expertise.
Known as the "Rawalpindi Express" for his fiery speed, Shoaib was initially permitted to skip the series to continue playing for Durham county in England but was summoned after fellow pacer Mohammad Sami was ruled out for the series due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old pacer will return to Durham to complete his contract after the Test. Bureau Report