KARACHI: Pakistan selectors are keenly observing pace duo of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif ahead of their cricket tour of India from next month.
Chief Selector Salahuddin Ahmed said Asif and Shoaib, if 100 per cent fit, would be Pakistan's main bowlers in India and could carry the attack through.
"They are proven performers and match winners so having them spearheading the attack is very important for us particularly against India," he said.
Asif has missed the first three one-day internationals against South Africa due to an elbow injury while Akhtar recently returned to playing domestic cricket after being banned for 13 international matches by the Board on four counts of misconduct.
"We see Asif as an important element of the bowling attack in India and we don't want to rush him back. As it is the present lot is doing well. So we don't want to rush him back into the side. It is better he gets a good rest before the Indian tour," Salahuddin said.
He said a member of the national selection committee, Saleem Jaffer, was also sent to Rawalpindi to watch Shoaib Akhtar bowling in a first class match.
"He will be available for selection for the final one-dayer against South Africa. He is likely to be given a chance to play so that he gets some match practice for the Indian tour," Salahuddin added.
Shoaib will complete his 13-matches ban on October 26 after the fourth one-dayer in Multan.
The chief selector said he was satisfied with the amount of bowling talent available to Pakistan for the India tour.
"We also have two good spinners now in Danish Kaneria and Abdul Rehman while Umar, Gul, Rao Iftikhar, Sohail Tanveer and Mohammad Sami are good pace back-ups for us."
Pakistan will play three Tests and five one-dayers in India in November-December.
Akhtar said he was itching to play in India as it might probably be his last tour.
"I bowled around 20 overs in the domestic game and I am feeling quite good. I am looking to make a comeback to the Pakistan team," he added.
