'Batsman' Hafeez hopeful of getting bowling action cleared

By
Faizan Lakhani
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'Batsman' Hafeez hopeful of getting bowling action cleared

KARACHI: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez on Friday insisted that he always was a batsman and his bowling was an added advantage for him to become a batting all-rounder for the team.

Talking to media in Karachi after his return from Brisbane, where he underwent biomechanics tests of his bowling action, Hafeez stated that he went to appear for action testing to satisfy his urge to participate in international cricket as a bowler.

“This is not true that I am doing this for the sake of protecting and prolonging my international career,” Hafeez said.

“The outcome of result won’t affect the length of my career as I was always a batsman and my performance as a batsman in last few years is evidence of my ability,” he said.          

The 36-year all-rounder was suspended from bowling in international cricket last year after he was reported twice in a period of fewer than 12 months for a suspected illegal bowling action.

He was dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the home series against the West Indies and for the tour to New Zealand due to his poor batting form.

However, he is now aiming to make a comeback soon, as an all-rounder.

“I am hopeful that my action will be cleared after my biomechanics tests in Brisbane,” he said.

“I have modified my action, but have added more reputation to it which any off-spinner would require,” Hafeez added.

The former T20i captain said that he was not getting the inner satisfaction as a cricketer due to suspension from bowling in international cricket, but never considered the ban as a threat to his career.

“As I have said before, I am a batsman and that’s why I was able to continue despite the ban on my bowing, but I wasn’t just satisfied with the situation, I was eager to perform with the ball as well,” he said.

Hafeez will now be in action for SNGPL against WAPDA in Quaid-e- Azam Trophy match at Karachi’s National Stadium, which starts on Saturday.

“I will continue to play cricket and perform, the ground is best witness of any cricketer’s form or fitness and my performance in middle of the ground will tell everyone what I am capable of,” he said.