Shoaib will be on song for big test

Pakistan test star Shoaib struggled to make a whirlwind impact in his competitive County debut in Monday's Twenty20 defeat to Northamptonshire Steelbacks at New Road.

Showing expected signs of rustiness, the 'Rawalpindi Express' conceded 12 runs in his first over before eventually taking 1-33.

The 29-year-old, who has tasted little cricket this year after suffering hamstring trouble in January, will strive to improve on those figures tomorrow when the Royals return to Twenty20 action against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Three more Twenty20 fixtures lie in wait for Shoaib, the world's fastest bowler, as he bids to regain fitness and form with the County in the hope of a recall to the Pakistan national side.

However, head coach Rhodes is expecting to see the best of his speed king when Worcestershire host Yorkshire in the Championship fixture that begins on July 9.

"I thought he bowled his four overs (against Northamptonshire) pretty well," admitted Rhodes. "He started a little bit rusty, which I think was inevitable after the period he has been out of the game.

"A few batsmen got a couple of nicks for four off him. At the pace Shoaib bowls, if you get a nick, it can fly through third man and gully without us having a chance.

"I think his third over, though, showed real world-class bowling when he went for just one run.

"It was important for him that he got through the four overs. He's rebuilding from an injury and, on the international scene, he's got a lot to prove.

"We are slowly trying to get him in peak condition. He has worked really hard on his fitness and his attitude has been great.

"We want Shoaib to do well in the Twenty20, but the main focus is for him to be at his best in the Championship and the Totesport.

"He needs to get bowling fit and we will monitor him through the Twenty20, so we will have him raring to go to unleash him against Yorkshire in his first Championship match."