The 30-year-old known as the Rawalpindi Express returned to Pakistan from Australia on Sunday amid a chorus of questions about his poor fitness record and attitude.

"With his age he is at the crossroads," said former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, a supporter of Akhtar.

"I think the England series is a make-or-break for Akhtar. He is 30 so he has four years left in him but it is Akhtar who gives Pakistan the hope to win against England," said Khan, a renowned fast bowler in the 1970s and 80s.

Pakistan hopes Akhtar, who has 144 wickets in 36 Tests, proves his fitness in a practice camp this week and later in a trial match, to warrant a selection against England in the first Test at Multan from November 12.

Despite bowling some of the fastest deliveries ever recorded in the game, Akhtar does not have an automatic place and faces tough competition from fit-again pace partners Mohammad Sami, Umer Gul and Shabbir Ahmed.

His regular mid-series breakdowns since 2000 have also damaged his chances. A hamstring pull ended his tour of Australia earlier this year and forced him out of away series in India and the West Indies.

It took his tally to 35 Tests missed out of Pakistan's 71 since his debut in 1997.

Off the field he has been fined for late night outings, while Worcestershire chairman John Elliott described him as difficult to handle during a stint at the county this year.

But Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, who tried unsuccessfully to shorten Akhtar's bowling run-up last year, still figures him in his plans to outdo England.

"He is in our scheme of things because he is a genuine fast bowler but the question mark is whether he can last five days of a Test and 15 of the series," said Woolmer.

Ramiz Raja, a former captain and ex-chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said Akhtar had a lot to prove.

"It's up to Akhtar to prove everyone wrong, he should understand the importance of playing for Pakistan. If you play for your country you get all the accolades, all the endorsements and all the county contracts," he said.

"If you are not playing for your country your stature as a player goes down.

"There are always lots of expectations of Akhtar and he has got to prove a point to everyone against England and then against India," said Raja, who conducted an inquiry after Akhtar allegedly feigned injury last year.

"It was the last Test against India and there were complaints that Akhtar feigned injury so we had to conduct an inquiry," said Raja. The probe cleared Akhtar of the allegations.

"Akhtar has to get over all his problems, he has to, and I wish him all the best for England."

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)