Inzamam confident about Shoaib

The operations won't curtail my run-up and won't have any affect on my bowling Shoaib Akhtar

Inzamam-ul-Haq is confident fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will be fit for Pakistan's tour of England.

Shoaib is back bowling in the nets after having a knee operation in February and he also suffered from a stress fracture in his back.

Captain Inzamam said: "Shoaib is an important member of our attack. We would like to go there with our first line pack of bowlers."

Pakistan play four Tests and five one-day internationals from late June.

Shoaib will attend a fitness camp at the end of May in an attempt to be ready for the tour.

"The reports about his rehabilitation are very positive. He is in the gym and has also started bowling in the nets," Inzamam said.

"We will invite him for the camp and hopefully he should be 100% fit soon."

Shoaib, 30, has taken 165 Test and 199 one-day international wickets, and claimed 17 scalps to lead Pakistan to a 2-0 win over England in last winter's Test series.