Shoaib may never reach express pace again says coach

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar may never reach the express pace he attained before remodelling his action, according to the team's bowling coach Daryl Foster.

Foster, a biomechanics expert from the University of Western Australia, has helped Shoaib modify his delivery after it was officially questioned by several umpires.

"He might lose a few kilometres an hour," Foster said.

"But I think he'll more than make up for that by putting the ball in the right spot consistently. Whether he's bowling at 158 or 150 kilometres an hour is irrelevant if he's doing that."

Shoaib took two wickets from 12 overs on the first day of Pakistan's three-day match against Derbyshire on Tuesday but never reached the speed which made him such an exciting performer at the 1999 World Cup.

The "Rawalpindi Express" appeared to be carrying some extra weight, did not run in at full speed and had clearly altered his action, bowling with a more studied approach and a longer swing of his right arm.

Still, Pakistan would have been pleased he got through the day without any problems following a bout of gastroenteritis which delayed his arrival from Lahore and Foster believes he will be a vital part of an impressive attack.

"Pakistan have got two great seam bowlers in Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis) and they need a bowler with some oomph to go with them," Foster said. "Shoaib can give them that."

Mail Cricket Editor