Shoaib is out again.

So, many will say it was bound to happen. In fact, many will be surprised it took so long to happen! After four months of consistent, and healthy bowling, Shoaib Akhtar has now aggravated an ankle injury.

It appears he will miss four to six weeks before he will be ready to be back. Pakistan has made do without Shoaib before, and this will give Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Rana Naved and perhaps even Yasir Arafat some more impetus to put forward some solid performances.