"It was a tough and frustrating period for me, but I thank my captain and all others who supported me in difficult times," said Shabbir, who took 4-54 in England's first innings on Monday.

His four-wicket effort helped his team restrict England's lead to 144.

Shabbir was playing his first Test after being cleared of a suspect bowling action by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last month.

His action was questioned for a third time in the West Indies in May this year and he was subsequently banned from bowling at international level after undergoing tests in July.

Shabbir, 29, last month took extensive tests under Australian biomechanic expert Professor Bruce Elliott, who remodelled his action.

Despite clearing him, the ICC warned if Shabbir was banned again within two years of his previous suspension, he would be automatically debarred from international cricket for a minimum of one year.

Shabbir admitted he was under pressure for his bowling action.

"The pressure of the bowling action remained on me. Although the captain and coach Bob Woolmer had told me not to take that extra pressure but it was there when I bowled," he said.

"I think the pressure will ease with the passage of time and support."

Shabbir said his team-mates, captain and coach all backed him during the difficult times.

"It happened to me for the third time but support from captain, coach, team-mates and the cricket board kept me going," said Shabbir.

His action was first questioned during a tri-series in Sharjah in 1998, but staged a comeback after remedial work by legendary West Indian paceman Michael Holding.

Shabbir reported for a second time during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in January 2004.

He hoped the controversy would not haunt him in the future.

"I hope the action controversy is over now," he said.

"I am being extra careful to ensure that my elbow does not exceed the ICC tolerance level of 15 degrees and my coach is also keeping a constant watch on me."

Under the new ICC rules, all bowlers are allowed to straighten their bowling arms by 15 degrees.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)