LAHORE: Pakistan opener Mohammad Hafeez on Thursday expressed hope the ban on his bowling will soon be lifted.
Hafeez’s comments came after he underwent a biomechanics bowling test at an International Cricket Council accredited laboratory in Brisbane earlier today. Speaking to The Express Tribune after the test, the opener said, “I am confident that I will clear this bowling test.”
The 36-year-old added he was only required to bowl three overs during his test to ascertain if he has found a fix for his illegal elbow flex –– a bend of more than 15 degrees –– that has kept him away from bowling for nearly 15 months.
Hafeez’s bowling test is pivotal for him as he hopes to make a return to the Test side for Pakistan’s tour of Australia next month. The off-spinner endured a wretched tour of England with the bat, and last appeared for Pakistan in the second ODI of the five-match series at Southampton’s Rose Bowl Stadium on August 24, where he was dismissed for just 11.
According to reports, the opening batsman will become an automatic selection as an all-rounder since the team management is keen to have his experience for the upcoming tour. If cleared, Hafeez can return as back-up opener for Sharjeel Khan and Sami Aslam, while Azhar Ali is likely to be slotted in at number three spot, with Asad Shafiq returning to his prolific number six spot.
If Sharjeel fails to fire in New Zealand, Hafeez can be included in the playing 11 for the first Test against Australia, but for that he has to get past the sanction on his bowling first. – Agencies
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