Mohammed Hafeez misses second match for bowling assessment test

Karachi: Pakistan all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez had to miss out on the third Test against Sri Lanka after the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed he will have to take the bowling assessment test on July 6 in Chennai.

Hafeez was due to due to fly to Chennai last Tuesday from Colombo for his bowling assessment test but since he was unable to get the visa on time the visit was cancelled.

But the visa was later issued by the Indian High Commission in Colombo on Wednesday paving the way for his travel to Chennai.

"He will now fly to Chennai on Monday and return to Colombo the same day after giving the test," a Pakistan Cricket Board official said.

This is the second time that match officials have reported the bowling action of Hafeez during a Test since last November and if he doesn't clear it this time he can be banned from bowling for the next 12 months.

But that has not deterred the national selectors from including him in the national one-day squad announced today for the series in Sri Lanka.

The PCB official reiterated that the board had opted to have the test at Chennai since it was an ICC accredited biomechanics laboratory and also it would reduce travel time for Hafeez from Colombo.

"And plus Hafeez is also comfortable as he has undergone bowling tests there before as well," he added.