Hafeez hopes to pass bowling test

Sport360 staff 09:25 21/11/2014
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  • Mohammad Hafeez is set for bowling testing after umpire reported his bowling action.

    Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has revealed that he has never rated himself as a bowler and batting remains his priority.  

    Hafeez will travel to the UK for tests on his bowling action after being reported by on-field umpires at the end of first Test win against New Zealand as a replacement for Saeed Ajmal.

    The 34-year-old will undergo 21 days of testing and an appointment has already been set for November 24 at the International Cricket Council (ICC) accredited Loughborough University in Leicester.

    Nevertheless, Hafeez has reiterated that he fancies his chances more as a batman than as a bowler.

    “I’ve never been an off-spinner neither I’ve thought or rated myself. I just roll over my arm simply and the ball itself breaks or straightens,” Hafeez said on his return.

    “I’ve always been a batsman while bowling is my plus point. My presence gives advantage to Pakistan. However, I know bowling is important for my career and for my team but I’ve never tried to keep my place in the team through bowling.”

    The 34-year-old all-rounder scored 96 and 101 not out while picked up a wicket in each innings as Pakistan beat New Zealand by 248 runs in first Test.

    Hafeez revealed that he has seen the video of deliveries which have been questioned and stated that the umpires are also not sure about the four deliveries which is why he has been asked to pass a bowling test.

     “I did go through those four deliveries which have been reported and they are just normal ones nothing changed in my action. Umpires think that they may be above the limit of 15 degree from naked eye but they aren’t sure about it,” Hafeez added.

    “So to clear that thought and suspicion, I’ve to go through a protocol. I’ll try to bowl in a natural way during the test and hopefully I’ll get through this difficult phase with prayers of my fans. I’ve been bowling with the same action from last 11 years and I haven’t tried to add anything to it.”

    Hafeez missed the second test, citing a hamstring injury as the reason behind his absence.

    Earlier this month, he was named in the ICC ODI Team of the Year.

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