Pakistan considering Mushtaq

Pakistan are considering calling up Mushtaq Ahmed, the veteran legspinner, for the forthcoming Test series in England. Hit with a spate of injuries - Shoaib Akhtar's participation in the series is uncertain with an ankle injury and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan may require surgery and a six-week rest - Pakistan have shown a renewed interest in the Sussex spinner.

Inzamam-ul-Haq disclosed to Reuters that Mushtaq, who has maintained good form for Sussex, was definitely an option. "The injuries to our main bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Rana Naved are a bit unsettling and we are thinking along the lines of balancing the attack by turning to Mushtaq for the Tests," he said. "His form for them has been outstanding and he clearly relishes bowling in English conditions. His experience could be invaluable for us."

Mushtaq, 35, has not played for Pakistan since October 2003 against South Africa. He was included in the Test squad for a home series against England in late 2005 but did not play. He was subsequently appointed as a bowling consultant.

Inzamam also revealed that Samiullah Niazi and Wasim Khan had been called to the training camp in Lahore, as back-up pace cover for Shoaib and Rana. "We are trying them out to see if they can fit into the squad in case of emergency," he said.

More importantly, with Rana's injury, Pakistan seem to have suddenly found hope where none existed that Shoaib will play a part in the Test series. "We have also asked our doctors to have another scan of Shoaib's ankle which he has rested now for a while and see if he can bowl again before June 25," said Inzamam.

"If he can bowl we are thinking of taking him along with the squad and allowing him to make a slow recovery even if he does miss the first Test."

Pakistan are due to play four tests, the first of which starts on July 13 at Lord's, and five one-day internationals in England.