Hafeez to face suspect bowling action tests next week

Pakistan ace off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez would fly to England next week for tests after he was reported for a suspect bowling action during the first Test match against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi last week, which Pakistan won by 248 runs.

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that the veteran all-rounder would be tested at Loughborough from Monday. Under International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, a bowler must be tested within 21 days of being reported.

Hafeez, who has played 39 Tests and 149 ODIs, was dropped from the current second Test with New Zealand because of a hamstring injury he sustained after his action was reported, The BBC reported.

The off-spinner was named in the ICC ODI team of the year earlier this month.

Pakistan team manager Moin Khan said that if declared fit, Hafeez would return to the squad for the remainder of the Test and ODI series in the UAE.

Hafeez, whose action was also reported during a domestic league game in India in September, could be suspended from bowling in international matches if he fails to clear the test, the report added.