An ecstatic Shoaib Akhtar claimed that his five-wicket haul against Australia in the first Test in Colombo proved that he is once again the best fast bowler in international cricket. Akhtar, who took 5 for 21 in eight explosive overs, ripped through the Australian top order as they slumped from 74 for 1 to 89 for 7. He removed Ricky Ponting and Steve and Mark Waugh in four balls, only being deprived of a hat-trick when an inside edge from Steve Waugh narrowly missed his leg stump.

"I want to be the greatest and this performance has proved yet again that I am the best fast bowler on this planet," Shoaib said. "I want to be the best against the best - and my performance against the number one team has proved me the best."

He added that the result of the match mattered more than his own performance. "I will consider this my best bowling only if Pakistan wins the match. I have had problems with my rhythm and injuries in the past, but it was just perfect today. I want to be the best against the best."

Shoaib was warned by umpire Steve Bucknor for bowling a beamer at Brett Lee which struck him on the helmet, but he insisted it was an accident. "It went out of my hand. Lee is my mate and had he got hurt, I would have been sad."

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