Workloads are killing fast bowlers - Shoaib

Shoaib Akhtar believes international workloads, modern regulations and batsmen-friendly pitches are forcing fast bowlers out of the game. Shoaib, the world's quickest bowler who is also in a contract dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board, said Mohammad Sami and Steve Harmison were the two other genuinely fast men playing in Tests.

"There used to be at least nine or 10 fast bowlers around the globe who were terrorising the batsmen," he told The Australian. "Getting runs in Test cricket is never easy, but now it is comparatively easy."

Shoaib, 29, said playing schedules offering little opportunity for rest and short-bowling limits were also restrictive for players who wanted to "put on a show". "Even a Ferrari sometimes needs to stop after two laps for a workshop," he said. "They don't realise they are finishing the fast bowlers."

Expected to lead the Pakistan attack in the first Test at Perth on December 16, Akhtar is still in a contractual dispute with the country's board. Team officials said the disagreement was unlikely to force him off the three-Test Australia tour.

A new deal for series against Australia and West Indies was offered 10 days ago but Shoaib rejected it because of clauses that could force him to endorse products in competition with his sponsors. Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana and Abdul Razzaq have agreed to the $US3500-a-month packages.

Pakistan play against a Cricket Australia Chairman's XI at Lilac Hill tomorrow and start a four-day game against Western Australia at the WACA on Thursday.