Saqlain's injury wili have healed by June, but Pakistan's next engagement will only be in October © AFP

Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistani offspinner, has set his sights on a return for the home series against England in October this year. Saqlain, who has initiated training with his physiotherapist in England, will miss the Indian tour as he has failed to recover from a knee surgery.

"Saqlain started with practices and I have learnt that one...leg is completely healed but there is still some problem with his other leg, which will take three more months to heal," said Rashid Khan, the manager of a local team, to The News. This effectively meant Saqlain could not participate in international cricket before June.

In recent times, Saqlain's career has been hampered by injuries. He last played in April 2004 against India in Multan, where - more famously - Virender Sehwag, who was dropped off Saqlain's bowling before he had reached his century, later hit him for six to bring up his triple-century. Saqlain has captured 208 wickets in 49 Tests and 288 one-day wickets in 169 matches.