Akhtar again?

Pakistan's fiery pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar is likely to return for a one-day series in India after missing Test matches due to a hamstring injury, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said here Thursday.

"Akhtar's fitness is being assessed by physiotherapist Grant Compton who is in constant touch with coach Bob Woolmer. He has a good chance to feature in the one-day series," PCB spokesman Subhan Ahmed told AFP.

The 29-year-old paceman injured his hamstring during Pakistan's tour of Australia in January this year and was forced to skip the ongoing three-Test series in India.

The Tests will be followed by six one-dayers, the first starting at Cochin on April 2.

Akhtar, nicknamed the "Rawalpindi Express" for his express pace, started bowling indoors in Lahore last week but felt pain in his right leg.

"If Akhtar regains full fitness before we announce the squad for the one-day series next week, he will be considered for selection," said Ahmed.

Another fast bowler, Shabbir Ahmed, was however ruled out of the one-dayers due to a knee injury.