Adnan Akmal says recovering well after finger surgery

Monitoring Desk

LAHORE (TheSportsNext) August 15, 2012: Pakistan’s young Test wicket-keeper, Adnan Akmal said Wednesday that he was happy with his recovery following a left ring finger surgery and his eyes were set on the next year’s tour to South Africa.

Talking to Cricinfo, Adnan Akmal, who is younger brother of Kamran Akmal said, “The surgery went well and the doctors are satisfied. The single layer rods around it (the finger) will be removed next week. I will start my rehabilitation later this month and have plenty of time ahead of the tour of South Africa."

Adnan Akmal had suffered the hairline fracture in his left index finger during day one of the Pallekele Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in July, 2012 when he tried to play a rising delivery from Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilhara Fernando. The hit forced him to retire hurt on 10 but he returned later to finish with 24. The young wicketkeeper-batsman then featured in a partnership with Asad Shafiq in the second innings of the same Test to eventually save the match for the tourists.

With return of his elder brother Kamran Akmal in One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals squads, Adnan Akmal has got fair bit of time to take care of his injury.

Pakistan’s next Test assignment is in February when the team will tour South Africa and Adnan Akmal has about five to six months to recover.

Adnan told the website, "This is the first time I have been idle for such a long time with injury but it's a part of life for a cricketer. Finger injuries are routine for a wicketkeeper, and sometimes you have a bad day. I am fine and will make a full recovery in a few weeks. Once I'm fit, I will ensure I won't get complacent."