Army puts Pakistan cricketers through their paces

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

ABBOTTABAD (AFP) — They were scared at first, but Pakistan's cricketers have emerged from 15 gruelling days of army training in peak condition, instructors say.

The 20-member squad has been confined to a spartan military base in the northwestern city of Abbottabad in a bid to improve fitness and discipline.

Shoaib Malik's men will need to be in good shape for the coming season, which starts next week with a trip to Scotland to play one-day internationals against the hosts and bitter rivals India.

Pakistan -- still reeling from the death of their coach Bob Woolmer the day after their World Cup exit in March -- are also due to host world number two South Africa and number one side Australia.

Fitness has been Pakistan's weakness in recent years, with...