The right-arm bowler, who played eight Tests and as many one-day internationals for the Tigers, has been sidelined for the last 22 months due to a groin injury.

On October 30, he underwent a successful surgery on his troublesome groin at the Avenue Hospital in Melbourne under famous surgeon Dr. David Young. He is now recuperating at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP).

"I believe I will be able to bowl at full fitness after 16 weeks. I have just started walking under the supervision of Bangladesh Under-19 team's physio-cum-trainer Justin Crody," said Sharif yesterday at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium while watching the Dhaka-Barisal match of the National Cricket Championship.

He informed that his right-shoulder was also not ready for bowling yet because some tissues were extracted from that part to treat his groin during the operation. "It will take another eight weeks before I can start bowling," said Sharif.

Sharif suffered his injury during Bangladesh's home series against Pakistan in January 2002 and has been out of cricket ever since.