Lillee to work with Akhtar in Australia

KARACHI - Australian great Dennis Lillee will work with Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar as the latter tries to clear his name of career-threatening chucking allegations.

A Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman said Akhtar left today for Perth, where he will undergo a medical examination to check the natural bend in his arm.

"We have sent Akhtar to Perth where he will have a biomechanical analysis of his bowling action at the University of Western Australia," spokesman Zakir Khan said.

"We want the process to be compeleted as soon as possible so that Akhtar is able to play for Pakistan."

Lillee would also look at Akhtar's bowling action and offer advice on how the "Rawalpindi Express" can bowl with a straighter arm, he said.

"I am sure that I will be cleared and will play for Pakistan soon," Akhtar told AFP before his departure.

Experts at the Australian university medically cleared Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan of throwing allegations after they found that since birth his arm was permanently bent 40 percent more than normal. Akhtar's action was reported to the International Cricket Council earlier this month, after it was questioned during a tour to New Zealand.

A three member home-panel which reviewed Akhtar's action yesterday said it needed more footage before it could reach a conclusion.