Shoaib signs off with a sigh

Shoaib Akhtar flew out of Australia yesterday to end an eventful, occasionally destructive and often disruptive tour expecting more nightmares about bowling to Justin Langer. Shoaib, who was ordered home after suffering a left hamstring tear at the Gabba last Wednesday, was impressed by Langer's series return of 390 runs, but disappointed by the lack of bowling support from his team-mates.

"Justin said before the start of the tour he had nightmares about me," Shoaib told the Daily Telegraph. "After bowling to him I can say I now have nightmares about him. He is easily Australia's toughest batsman. He is unbelievably determined. Damien Martyn is under-rated and much improved but Langer is the best."

Shoaib told the paper he deserved credit for his bowling, which peaked with 5 for 99 in the first innings at Perth and included 11 Test wickets. "It was just me up against seven batsmen who are all capable of scoring 200 each," he said. "It was very tough. It is hard trying to bowl at 155km/h all the time. You do get niggles. It's like driving a Ferrari. After every few laps you have to get it serviced."

Waqar Younis, who has spent the summer watching as a television commentator, said Shoaib "sometimes likes talking it up more than bowling". "There was no spirit in the bowling," Waqar told the Sydney Morning Herald. "You are supposed to take pride when you bowl for your country. They looked better when Shoaib was bowling his heart out early, but that all stopped with injuries. Pakistan don't need an unfit Shoaib Akhtar." Waqar said without Shoaib the attack was like a club side's bowling.