LAHORE: A persistent knee problem has put Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul’s Test future in doubt. Gul has played only eight ODIs and four Twenty20 internationals since having surgery in May 2013 and each time his comeback has been stymied by fitness problems.

He said he was targeting the Tests against Australia in the UAE in October, but if he failed to make that deadline he could take a call on whether to continue in the format.

“It is frustrating and right now the doctors and trainers at the national cricket academy have told me I am still not 100% fit and need to do more rehabilitation and gym training so that the knee is back to normal,” Gul told PTI. “I don’t feel comfortable bowling right now because of the knee problem and if you ask me right now if I could play Test matches I would say no.”

Gul sustained the knee injury in March 2013 during the second ODI against South Africa in Centurion. Following the injury, he travelled to Australia for surgery and after six weeks of rest, began his rehabilitation. His appearances since then – the ODIs against Sri Lanka in January, the Asia Cup, and the World T20 – have been sporadic.

“Honestly speaking at present I don’t know what my future is,” Gul said. “But I am targetting a return to the test side for the series against Australia later this year. But if that doesn’t work out I could quit playing Tests to prolong my career.

“It is never easy to make a comeback from a knee surgery.

But I have tried to do my best as I want to play for Pakistan. But if I am not feeling 100% fit and I don’t feel comfortable bowling I will not make myself available for selection.” Agencies