Shoaib off to London to represent Surrey county
4 Sep 2008, 1537 Hrs

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Lahore, Sept 4 (ANI): Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar took a flight to London to play three matches for Surrey county. Before flying off to London, he hoped he would play the remaining first class matches for Surrey as well.

"I am full of confidence and hope that I manage to play the remaining three first class matches for Surrey and we get maximum points to avoid relegation," Shoaib said.

If all goes well, Shoaib can play the first class match against Kent, the table toppers in the championship. Kent, who are third in the table, have Shoaib's city mate Yasir Arafat in their ranks.

A fit-looking Shoaib Akhtar is looking forward to his Surrey stint, reported The News.

Shoaib hoped the weather and cricket atmosphere will suit him. "I was training in hot and humid conditions of Lahore so playing in England would be a great relief. I hope they (Surrey) have finalised all formalities and I take field on Thursday. I am dying to take field for I have not played a first class match for eight months now."

He added: "I have had those sore memories of Nottinghamshire. I was so desperate to play at that time but suffered injury on the tour of the West Indies. May be it was not in my destiny. I hope that I will compensate for that loss with the stint against Surrey." (ANI)