Akhtar back on attack for third Pakistan-New Zealand one-dayer.

(From Agence France Presse)

Pakistan express bowler Shoaib Akhtar spoke the words New Zealand did not want to hear when he declared himself fit for the third one-day international here.

Although the five-match series is locked 1-1, Pakistan are on a high after their lop-sided victory in the second match at Queenstown during the week and New Zealand need to strike back fast if they are to have any confidence in the later matches.

Akhtar has missed both one-day matches after being hit in the groin while batting in practice without a protector, but he could not hide his recovery this week when he was seen bouncing across the waves on a jet-ski. …