Injured Hafeez to miss February 6 test

The PCB has asked the ICC to push back the date of the official test on Mohammad Hafeez's bowling action due to a niggle in the bowler's foot. The new testing date is expected to fall after February 10, putting further doubt on Hafeez's availability for bowling in Pakistan's World Cup opener against India.

Hafeez was due to fly to Brisbane on Friday, February 6, for the test from Sydney where the Pakistan team is currently based, but will have to wait for the new test date.

Having been suspended from bowling because of an illegal action, Hafeez can only bowl if cleared but he remains a part of the Pakistan World Cup squad and can play solely as a batsman.

Hafeez's extended unavailability as a bowler is a significant blow to Pakistan's team composition. They are already missing offspinner Saeed Ajmal because of a suspect action, and recently lost fast bowler Junaid Khan to injury.

If he fails the official test, the ICC's Bowling Review Group (BRG) will specify a period during which Hafeez will not be entitled to approach the ICC for reassessment.

Hafeez was first reported while playing for Lahore Lions during the Champions League T20 in September 2014, but that sanction did not apply to international cricket. He was reported again after the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in November.