Fazl-e-Akbar made his debut for Pakistan in the same match as Yousuf Youhana (against South Africa at Durban in 1997-98), but over the next six years he managed just four Test appearances. Gary Kirsten was an illustrious maiden Test wicket, but since then a combination of injuries, poor form and the emergence of a new crop of bowlers kept him out of national reckoning. He was also hampered by injuries, forcing him to settle for what Wasim Bari, the chief selector, calls the classic medium pace. He did get a fifth chance, in the Rawalpindi Test against India, but struggled to make an impact against the powerful Indian line-up, finishing with 1 for 162. However, with seam movement and swing among his weapons, he might still be a good condidate for an early summer tour to England. Osman Samiuddin (April 2004)
