Cricket: Fearsome Zahid ready for return

By RICHARD BOOCK

Pakistan are preparing to unleash another express pace bowler in next month's series against New Zealand.

The nation that gave us Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami is reportedly close to announcing the all-clear for reformed speed merchant Mohammad Zahid, who terrorised the 1996 New Zealand team in the second test at Rawalpindi.

Zahid took 11 wickets on debut, including a match-winning spell of seven for 66 in the second innings as the Steve Rixon-coached New Zealand side were defeated by an innings and 13 runs.

The lanky paceman later suffered a string of injuries which forced him out of the international arena, but the 25-year-old is now apparently fit, bowling faster than ever, and being aimed at next month's New Zealand team.

Pakistan newspapers said yesterday that Zahid had been put through an intensive rehabilitation programme in Lahore and was just a fortnight away from being pronounced 100 per cent fit.

The News International said Zahid had been bowling regularly in the nets at fearsome pace, prompting his team-mates to suggest he was a reborn bowler and injury-free.

Zahid, who played four tests between 1996 and 1998, was described as the fastest bowler in the world at that time. But he broke down during the tour of Sri Lanka and later developed a career-threatening back problem while playing for English county Nottinghamshire.

It is thought the Pakistan Cricket Board plans to introduce him as a surprise weapon against New Zealand, in which case he will take his place alongside Akhtar, Waqar Younis and possibly Sami.

Sami, another Pakistan fast bowler who destroyed New Zealand's batting on debut, is apparently still resting from a shin injury, but could be ready to face New Zealand.

The news that Zahid and Sami may return will doubtless counter the relief being felt within the New Zealand camp over the absence of usual nemesis Wasim Akram, who was surprisingly left out of the training squad.