Umer Gul On The Mend

Pakistan paceman Umar Gul has flown to Australia for a check-up on his recovery from a back injury.

The 23-year-old has been out of action for five months and is hoping the specialists will help him get back to bowling sooner rather than later.

He told The Dawn:

"I am not in any pain at the moment, but a final opinion is necessary before starting to bowl again."

Gul, who played his last game in November last year, wants to play in a domestic Pentangular Cup game to assess his fitness.

If declared fit, the Peshawar-born fast bowler could be a serious contender for the probable home series against the Australia next month.

Gul is also under contract with the Indian Premier League, which is due to begin in April.