Junaid Khan's participation in the forthcoming Pakistan versus England test series is likely to hinge on proving his fitness in a domestic under 23 match.

by Saj Sadiq

25 December, 2011

Junaid Khan's participation in the forthcoming Pakistan versus England test series is likely to hinge on proving his fitness in a domestic under 23 match.

With the Quaid E Azam Trophy now complete, the only ongoing domestic action is the regional Under 23 Cup and which presents 22 year old Junaid with an ideal opportunity to prove his fitness to the selection committee.

Khan who represented Lancashire earlier this year in English County Cricket sustained a partial tear in his abdominal muscle while bowling during the fifth ODI in Abu Dhabi and has been on a recovery period ever since.

A source close to Junaid confirmed to PakPassion.net that the talented left arm pace bowler had been working with the coaches and medics at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore for the past 2 weeks.

"He's working with Aaqib Javed and the other coaches at the NCA, as well as the physios and trainers in order to get himself fit for the England series."

"He's about 70-80% fit at the moment, but he's hopeful that he will be fit by the time the first test match against England starts next month".

"Junaid's fitness levels will be tested when he plays in a forthcoming domestic Under 23 regional match soon."

Khan faces a race against time as the announcement of the Test squad for the series against England is imminent. With the selectors extremely keen to include Junaid, it could turn out that he is named in the squad and asked to prove his fitness levels in Under 23 cricket.