Lahore, Mar 29 : Controversial pacer Shoaib Akhtar is keen to make a comeback to the Pakistan team, which is gearing up to take on world champions Australia in One-day series going to be held in the UAE next month.

Akhtar feels the Australians could be beaten this time considering their shambolic performances against India and South Africa in recent series.

“I am working hard and training hard because we have some top series coming up in the next few months and I want to be part of the team. My knee is holding up well and it is a matter of getting into my bowling rhythm,” The Nation quoted him, as saying.

Akhtar has played a handful of Tests and One-Day Internationals since February 2006 because of disciplinary and fitness issues.

Akhtar seems to have impressed national selector with his fitness and form during a match of the national One-day championship in Rawalpindi.

Reports said that Pakistan captain Younis Khan want Akhtar and senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf, who is contracted with the Indian Cricket League, to be included in the team for the matches against Australia.

“Younis feels that with Pakistan due to play Australia and then the Twenty20 World Cup it would be good if both senior players were in the squad,” one report said.

In 2007, Akhtar was banned for 13-matches by the cricket board for getting into a fight with team-mate (ANI)