Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has confirmed his availability for next month's South African tour. The squad for the two-Test and five-match one-day international series will be announced on Friday. Pakistan is to arrive in Johannesburg on December 2 and play the first one-day international at Durban on December 8.

"I have recovered fully from the wrist fracture and the temporary plaster will be removed on November 25. I have started bowling in the nets and feel no pain. I will start batting from November 26", Razzaq said, adding: "The original plaster was removed last week but a temporary one was put on so that the healing process is not affected by any jerk or accident".

"I would certainly like to play the Ramadan Cup final scheduled for November 28 so that if there are doubts against my fitness, they are removed. Missing international cricket has been more painful than the (wrist) injury and I just can't wait to get back into action", said Razzaq, who earlier this year helped in the Middlesex promotion to Division One of English County Championship.

Dr Waqar Saleem Farooqi, consultant orthopedic surgeon and under whose treatment Razzaq is, said: "Razzaq's hand is under plaster for now 42 days and this injury takes 40 days to heal. As far as I am concerned, I have given clean bill of health to Razzaq."

Razzaq was injured during the second cricket Test against Australia at Sharjah when a Brett Lee bouncer fractured his left wrist.

Razzaq has played 23 Tests and 114 one-day internationals. He is considered an integral component of the Pakistan World Cup squad.

Chairman of Pakistan cricket selectors Wasim Bari said Razzaq had communicated to him about his availability.

"Naturally we are happy that he is feeling good and bubbling to get back into action. We know that he is one of the best all-rounders in the world and the team would require his experience in conditions like South Africa," Wasim Bari said.

"Cricket in South Africa would be different with different conditions and opposition. Therefore, I would like to send a squad that includes the best players. And when you talk about your best players, you can't ignore Razzaq. So I am happy that Razzaq has not only recovered but can't resist the temptation of resuming international cricket. It is a healthy sign for the team, I suppose," he said.

SAMIUL HASAN
GM Media
November 24, 2002

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