Hafeez ready for bowling test

LAHORE: Pakistan’s experienced all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he is ready to undergo a bowling assessment test.

“I had delayed taking the ICC bowling assessment test because I was not 100 percent fit because of my knee problem.

“But now that I have made complete recovery, I have told the PCB they could get a date from the ICC,” Hafeez said on Monday in Karachi.

Hafeez, 35, is one of the senior most players in Pakistan, having appeared in 50 Tests, 177 ODIs and 77 T20 Internationals.

Hafeez has faced problems with his bowling action since 2014. In July 2015, he was banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months after his action was found to be illegal for a second time since November 2014.

“I have focused fully on my batting since I coudn’t bowl and I think except for a few matches I have generally delivered the goods as a batsman,” he said.

Hafeez said he was now regularly playing domestic cricket to prove his fitness to the national selectors.

“It is up to the selectors to decide whether my experience is required for the Tests in New Zealand and Australia,” he added.

“I am ready to take the bowling test anytime now as I have also worked on correcting my action so whenever the PCB tells me I will go for the tests,” he said.

The PCB hired bowling coach Carl Crowe of the UK to help Hafeez correct his action.

The knee problem forced Hafeez to return home midway from the England tour.

Hafeez struggled in the Test series and also failed with the bat in the first ODI in England before returning home.

“The injury was a big factor in me not being able to give 100 percent,” he added.

“I am keen to make the Test squad in New Zealand and Australia,” he stated.