Speaking with PakPassion.net a source close to Junaid Khan have confirmed that his participation in the forthcoming Pakistan versus England test series now hinges on proving his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on 6th January.

By Saj Sadiq (1st january, 2012)

Junaid Khan's participation in the forthcoming Pakistan versus England test series now hinges on proving his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on 6th January.

With the Quaid E Azam Trophy complete, the only ongoing domestic action is the regional Under 23 Cup and the initial plan was for Junaid to feature in at least one of the under 23 matches, however those plans have now been shelved.

Speaking with PakPassion.net a source close to Junaid confirmed "Initially Junaid was going to play in at least one of the ongoing Under 23 domestic matches, but now he has been asked to join up with the rest of the squad at the training camp in Lahore that starts on 4th January, without featuring in any of the domestic matches."

Khan who represented Lancashire last year in English County Cricket sustained a partial tear in his abdominal muscle while bowling during the fifth ODI in Abu Dhabi and has been on a recovery period ever since. The 22 year old left arm pace bowler has been put though his paces in recent weeks at the National Cricket Academy by a team of experienced coaches including Aaqib Javed.

The source added "A fitness test for Junaid is scheduled for 6th January at the NCA and that test will ultimately determine whether he will travel with the rest of the squad to the UAE to face England. Junaid has been working very hard with the coaching staff, has recently started bowling at full speed and is very confident that he will pass the fitness test and be on the plane to the UAE."

Khan has impressed since making his international debut last year and featured in 16 international matches. His ability to reverse swing the ball could be a potent weapon for the Pakistani bowling attack against a formidable English batting line up and the coaching staff will be particularly keen to ensure that he is fit for what promises to be an extremely competitive series.