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Shoaib Akhtar fit to play in decider

September 22, 2010 09:12 IST

Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed has confirmed that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is fit to participate in Wednesday's fifth ODI against England at Rose Bowl in Hampshire.

Akhtar appeared to be injured during Monday's fourth ODI at Lord's, and concerns were raised about his participation in the final game.

"Shoaib Akhtar will play in Wednesday's decider at the Rose Bowl. He is not injured, and is fit to play," PakPassion.net quoted Saeed, as saying.

Pakistan has leveled the five-match series at 2-2 with a 38-run victory in the fourth ODI. 

Akhtar's role was vital in Monday's victory, as he took the important wickets of England captain Andrew Strauss and of reputed 'finisher' Eoin Morgan.

The 35-year-old has taken 232 ODI wickets in his 151 appearances for Pakistan at an impressive average of 24.2.

Source: ANI