Akhtar Ready For Dope Test By Competent Authority

Controversial Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Saturday made it clear that he has no issues undergoing dope test during the
forthcoming One-day series against Australia provided they are done by a competent authority.

"Look if anyone wants to take my dope tests he is free to do so but only thing is these tests must be authorised by competent authorities including the Pakistan Cricket Board," Akhtar said at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Akhtar said he would want to focus on the game and get rid of his image of being a controversial figure.

"It is a fresh lease of life for me that I am back in the Pakistan team. I want to show everyone that I am fit and ready to go and my immediate aim would be to remove these misconceptions about me and complete 10 overs in each match and play out the full series," he said.

The fast bowler agreed that Australia would be weakened by the absence of their regular captain Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Mitchell Johnson.

"I think Ponting's absence would make a difference to them as he is an influential figure for them. But they still have a strong batting line-up which can test our bowlers," he said.

He said Pakistan could achieve a lot in the coming series by showing that they are a side to beat despite playing less cricket recently.

"First of all we can show the world that despite not playing enough international cricket we remain among the top sides of the world. And I think the series also gives us an opportunity to vent our frustration at not being able to host international teams by winning the matches," he said.

Akhtar did not like comparisons between him and Australian Brett Lee, saying they are different bowlers.

"I don't think one has an edge over another. We are different bowlers but both of just like to bowl fast and that is always good for the sport," he added.

He also said the appointment of Younis Khan as captain was a good thing for Pakistan cricket as he was a popular figure in the dressing room who liked to lead by example and from the front.