The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Asif to make a comeback

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Asif to make a comeback

Karachi: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif will make a comeback to competitive cricket on Monday after a six-month lay-off due to a chronic elbow injury that required surgery in Australia.

Asif will appear for his domestic team National Bank in the National One-Day Championship semifinals here.

“I have been bowling in the nets and my elbow is much better now. But obviously the real test will come when I play the match and bowl 10 overs,” Asif said on Sunday.

Asif has not played competitive cricket since October last year when he was ruled out of the home one-day series against South Africa because of his elbow problem.

He also missed the three-Test tour of India.

Despite his chronic fitness issue, Asif was given an ‘A’ category central contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board in January.

Asif said he was keen to play against Bangladesh in the one-day series which starts from April 8, but the final decision will be with the selectors.

“Right now, I have completed my rehabilitation programme successfully and hope to do well in the National Championship. If everything goes well then maybe I can make myself available for one or two games against Bangladesh,” he said.

Pacer Umar Gul is also returning to the Pakistan side for the one-day series against Bangladesh after recovering from a back problem. — PTI

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