Shabbir to go to Australia for evaluation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send Shabbir Ahmed to Australia to evaluate his action before seeking a final clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Shabbir was reported for the third time in his career in May against the West Indies and has not bowled in a representative match since then. After an initial delay when the PCB considered whether or not to send him abroad for remedial action, it was decided that Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, would work with him in Lahore.

Woolmer has since reported an improvement in Shabbir's action, telling the PCB recently that it now falls within the specified ICC regulations. But the PCB is keen to test his action one final time, before going to the ICC.

PCB official Abbas Zaidi told Reuters, "We have decided to send him to Australia to work with experts. We will decide on the dates soon."

Zaidi added, "Woolmer has worked on his action and there is improvement but before seeking final clearance for his action from the ICC he will go to Australia."

Shabbir has been an integral part of the Pakistan team since being recalled in 2003, more than three years after making his debut. He was reported for the first time after his debut against the West Indies and then reported again in New Zealand in January 2004.

Pakistani officials are eager to get the 29-year-old's bowling action cleared before the vital home series against England in November.