Thursday, April 27 2006 14:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Karachi: Former cricket great Imran Khan Thursday (Apr 27, 2006) predicted a battle of the fast bowlers when Pakistan tour England in the summer.

Pakistan's hopes depend on the fitness of spearhead paceman Shoaib Akhtar and new find Mohammad Asif, the legendary allrounder said.

"The series between Pakistan and England will see a battle of pace and will be a treat to watch," Khan told sources.

Pakistan, who beat England 2-0 in their home series last year, play four Tests and five one-day internationals on the tour starting late June. The first Test starts at Lord's on July 13.

'The key is Shoaib Akhtar's fitness'

"For Pakistan the key is Shoaib Akhtar's fitness," Khan said. Akhtar is recuperating from twin knee operations held earlier this year. He took 17 wickets against England last year but is racing against time to regain full fitness before the tour.

"Besides Akhtar, I think Pakistan should get Mohammad Sami back in the side. Then Umar Gul and the most sensational find, Mohammad Asif, gives Pakistan a potent bowling attack," said Khan, who took 362 wickets in 88 Tests.

However Khan, who is now a member of parliament in his home country, warned that Pakistan face an equally powerful attack from England.

"England too have quality bowlers in Steve Harmison, Simon Jones, Matthew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff," said Khan, under whom Pakistan won their first series in England in 1987.

Since then Pakistan won on the 1992 and 1996 tours and squared their last series 1-1 in England five years ago, Pakistan will have to shrug off a defensive approach while facing England.