Muhammad Hafeez gives nod to Pakistan Cricket Board for ICC bowling action assessment test

Karachi: Pakistan's experienced all-rounder, Muhammad Hafeez has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he is ready to undergo a bowling assessment test from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"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 a complete recovery, I have told the PCB they can get a date from the ICC," Hafeez said on Monday in Karachi.

Hafeez, 35, is one of the senior most players in Pakistan cricket having appeared in 50 Tests, 177 ODIs and 77 T20 internationals and before he was banned from bowling his off-spinners he remained a crucial part of the Pakistan team.

Hafeez has faced problems with his bowling action since 2014 and in July 2015 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 focussed fully on my batting since I couldn'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.

"The form is also there but now 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 any flaws in my action so whenever the PCB tells me I will go for the tests," he said.

The PCB had hired a bowling coach, Carl Crowe in the United Kingdom to help Hafeez correct/modify his bowling action before taking the bowling assessment test in England but the senior has so far been averse to taking the plunge insisting he is not yet ready for it.

The PCB had hired a bowling coach, Carl Crowe in the United Kingdom when Pakistan was touring England to help Hafeez correct/modify his bowling action before taking the bowling assessment test in England but the senior decided against taking any test because of his fitness issues.

The knee problem also forced Hafeez to return home midway from the England tour. Hafeez had struggled in the test series and also failed again with the bat in the first ODI in England before returning home but he said it was a thing of the past.

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

"I am keen to make the test squad in New Zealand and Australia but whatever decision the selectors take it would be for the best of the team and can accept that," he stated.