Shoaib Akhtar was happy with his comeback to competitive cricket after stepping up his bid to feature in the final Test against England with an outing in the fourth tier of the Birmingham League.

The Pakistan fast bowler, who has been sidelined since the start of the year with ankle problems, claimed two wickets for Berkswell playing against St Georges in Saturday's Third Division match. He also hit 57 with the bat as Dominic Ostler's Berkswell won by 140 runs.

The match, arranged by Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, was part of his bid to prove his fitness and come into contention for the final NPower Test at the Oval starting on August 17. "It was only a few overs for a club side, but my first bowl in almost eight months was a very enjoyable moment for me on Saturday," said Shoaib.

"I bowled just short of eight overs and I felt good and was pleased that all the fitness work I have done in the last few months is starting to pay off.

"My game for Berkswell was only supposed to be a leisurely return to bowling, but I can tell you that I did not hold back on those club players at times.

"I thought I bowled quite fast in my first four-over spell, even though my two wickets came later. I bowled at full speed for a couple of overs, but came down to about half pace later on as I didn't want to risk a pulled muscle or strain in my first proper bowl in a long time."

Shoaib added: "I was impressed with the courage and technique of the club players - they weren't jumping out of the way and they gave me a contest."

He will now be included in the squad for Pakistan's match next weekend against West Indies A at Shenley, which was due to be a two-day match but is now expected to be split into two one-day games.

"There's probably going to be a midweek game arranged for me but the details are not final yet," added Shoaib. "I believe the West Indies A fixture at Shenley could now be two 50-over games, which would suit me. I'm keen to get plenty of overs in my legs.

"I'm not making any predictions on my comeback date and all I can do is keep up my training and improve in every new game I bowl."

Meanwhile, Premier Division leaders West Bromwich Dartmouth suffered only their second defeat of the season but still remain 22 points clear at the top.

Third-placed Kenilworth Wardens proved their faint title hopes are far from finished after claiming an impressive eight wicket home win over the pacesetters.

Wardens' Indian overseas player Shitansu Kotak was their hero, taking five wickets and then hitting 60 not out.

Chris Boroughs cracked 92 in Dartmouth's 196 all out in 35 overs but Kotak and Scott Stenning (82 not out) steered Kenilworth home after both openers departed cheaply.

Second-placed Walsall closed the gap but they were frustrated they coudl not claim a victory at home to Kidderminster Victoria.

Opener Paul Baker (94) and Nathan Round (76) helped Walsall reach 248 for six. Nambian Gerrie Snyman then dismisse five Kidderminster batsman, but the visitors' last pair held out on 188 for nine. Mark Mansell top-scored with 60.

Warwickshire's Nick Warren (74) and Wasim Khan(73no) led the way in Moseley's seven wicket win over Himley at Stourbridge Road in a high-scoring affair while former Worcestershire player Matthew Rawnsley claimed six for 19 to help Barnt Green continue their climb up the table with a 62-run success over Old Hill.

Coventry and North Warwicks have fallen into the relegation zone after finishing on the wrong end of a draw with fellow strugglers Knowle & Dorridge.

Knowle & Dorridge were dismissed for 163, Asif Khan finishing with six wickets, but they had Coventry on the ropes at 130 for nine.

Wellington leap-frog Coventry after defeating bottom of the table Shrewsbury in their Shropshire derby by three wickets.

After Shrewsbury totalled 189 for nine, Jimmy Taylor hitting 85 and Mark Robinson taking five wickets, Wellington passed their target with ten balls to spare.