Shoaib Malik to have his action re-tested

Shoaib Malik, the Pakistani offspinner, will have his bowling action re-tested at the University of Western Australia, Perth, to get clearance ahead of the VB Series, which also involves Australia and West Indies and begins on January 14. Malik, who played in the second Test at Melbourne but did not bowl, missed the Sydney Test because of a split webbing in his right hand.

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, was quoted by AFP as saying that Malik had already left for Perth, and he was hopeful that he would be cleared to participate in the one-day series. "He went to Perth today. He's been working on his action and we want to try and get him cleared before the one-day series."

Malik was reported for a suspect bowling action after a one-day game against Sri Lanka in October last year, after which he was asked to undergo a test which revealed that his normal ball, as well as his doosra, had elbow bends which were above the prescribed tolerance levels. The biomechanical experts had recommended remedial action and further tests.

"He's going for re-testing on Monday," Woolmer said. "It'll be interesting. We've been working on his action to try and correct it. I've watched him. And I cannot see any semblance of a throw at all, not one. A genuine throw and a bowl with a slightly bent arm are two different things. Hopefully, the university in Perth will clear him."

While the ICC rules state that a fast bowler's arm can flex up to 15 degrees, only five degrees is currently permissible for spinners. However, under the new proposals, 15 degrees would be the norm for all types of bowlers.