Gul may call time on Tests

Pakistan paceman Umar Gul may be forced to end his Test career prematurely due to a chronic knee injury.

Gul hasn’t played Test cricket since February 2013 after undergoing knee surgery, and has in more recent times been feted for his outstanding performances for Pakistan in the limited-overs formats.

The 30-year-old is still targeting Pakistan’s two-Test series against Australia in October as his return to the five-day game, but is realistic about his fitness.

"It is frustrating and right now the doctors and trainers at the national cricket academy have told me I am still not 100 per cent fit and need to do more rehabilitation and gym training so that the knee is back to normal," he told PTI.

"I don't feel comfortable bowling right now because of the knee problem and if you ask me right now if I could play Test matches I would say no.

"Honestly speaking at present I don't know what my future is. But I am targeting a return to the Test side for the series against Australia later this year. But if that doesn't work out I could quit playing Tests to prolong my career.

"It is never easy to make a comeback from a knee surgery. But I have tried to do my best as I want to play for Pakistan. But if I am not feeling 100 per cent fit and I don't feel comfortable bowling I will not make myself available for selection."

Gul made his Test debut as a teenager in August 2003, and has played 47 Tests, taking 163 wickets at 34.06.

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