WORCESTERSHIRE are anxiously waiting on news of Shoaib Akhtar after the paceman injured his shoulder in Pakistan's first Test defeat in Australia.

The County have snapped up the fastest bowler on the planet as one of their overseas players for next season and will be monitoring the injury bulletins down under.

Shoaib suffered the injury during Pakistan's 491-run defeat in Perth, a match which also saw the bowler fined for breaching the ICC code of conduct.

"There is extensive bruising around his shoulder," said a Western Australia Cricket Association spokesman.

"There is no tearing or structural damage, although a surgeon will have to confirm that."

Pakistan remain hopeful that Shoaib will be available for the two remaining Tests and one-day series which follows.

Shoaib was fined an estimated £2,900 for breaching the players' code of conduct.

He was docked 40 per cent of his match fee by ICC referee Ranjan Madugalle for pointing Matthew Hayden back to the pavilion after dismissing him.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire's director of cricket Tom Moody will have to wait before signing his second overseas star.

The Aussie was hoping to tie up the deal before Christmas but admits the signing is taking longer than expected.

"We're not rushing into things," he said. "We have to make sure we get the right person but, with all the international cricket going on at present, it's difficult to speak with people. Certainly, it will be after Christmas now."