Hafeez undergoes bio-mechanics test to regain “automatic choice” status

KARACHI: In an attempt to regain the “automatic choice” status for Pakistan’s selection, all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez underwent bio-mechanics test of his bowling action in Australia on Thursday.

Hafeez was suspended from bowling in international cricket last year after being reported twice for suspected illegal bowling action in span of less than 12 months.

Although, he was eligible to appear for re-test of his bowling action in July this year, but injuries and lack of practice forced the all-rounder to delay the attempt for a few months.

On Thursday, Mohammad Hafeez bowled 18 deliveries at Brisbane’s national cricket centre, which is ICC’s accredited lab for testing players’ bowling action.

According to standard protocols, the report of tests is likely to be out in 14 days on which ICC will decide the bowling future of Pakistani all-rounder.

“Alham du Lillah done with the bowling action test. In shaa Allah all will be fine. Thanks to all the fans for their wishes & prays, stay blessed,” Hafeez tweeted after the tests, which – according to sources – lasted for around half-an-hour.

Hafeez, who has represented Pakistan in 50 Tests, 177 ODIs and 77 T20Is, has recently been struggling with batting form. His poor batting form and ineligibility to bowl in international cricket forced selectors to drop him from Pakistan’s squad.

However, sources believe that selectors are banking on his test results and very much firm to include him back in the squad if he gets clearance from the ICC to resume bowling in international cricket.

The 36-year-old all-rounder was also confident of getting a clean-chit from ICC prior to his departure to Australia and stated that he’s looking forward to regain the number one all-rounder position soon.

He is expected to return home by Friday and likely to feature in SNGPL vs WAPDA game for the super-eight stage in Quaid e Azam Trophy, which starts on Saturday.