Lawson backs 'last chance' Shoaib

Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson believes Shoaib Akhtar will shine in India but admitted it could be the controversial paceman's last opportunity.

Shoaib has recently completed a 13-match ban imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for hitting team-mate Mohammad Asif.

Lawson told Indian TV channel Times Now: "Shoaib Akhtar will be the biggest threat to India.

"He understands this is probably his last chance."

Shoaib was recalled for the series-deciding one-day international against South Africa on Monday in Lahore and is also in the Pakistan squad for the one-day series in India, starting 5 November.

"At the moment Shoaib is doing all the right things and looks fit," added Lawson.

"If he is at his peak then he'll be a dominant force in this series. My job is to make sure that he is at his peak."

The 32-year-old was sent home from the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in September after striking fellow paceman Asif with a bat during a brawl before the tournament began.

Although he has completed the ban, Shoaib is still on probation and any breach of discipline would see a life-ban imposed on him.

Source: BBC Sport