Pak bowling advisory panel clears Shoaib’s action

Karachi, April 26: "Rawalpindi Express" Shoaib Akhtar will be back on England's tracks as Pakistan's bowling advisory panel on Thursday expressed satisfaction with an Australian report clearing his action.

"As per the International Cricket Council process of dealing bowlers with illegal action the home panel has agreed with the report of Australian experts clearing Akhtar's action," Pakistan Cricket Board operations director Brigadier Munawwar Rana said.

The 25-year-old underwent tests at the Human Movement and Exercise Science Department of the University of Western Australia after concerns were raised about his action for a second time in New Zealand last month.

Pakistan's bowling panel comprised of Test players Ejaz Faqih and Mohsin Kamal while its third member Iqbal Sikander could not attend the meeting Thursday.

"Akhtar is declared fit as he played few matches in Australia but we will call him on Friday to appear in a fitness test also," Rana said.

Akhtar's action was analysed by a five-man team, including Australian expert Daryl Foster, who in his report said "unique physical characteristics" cause an illusion that he may be throwing the ball.

The Rawalpindi-based express pacer welcomed the report.

"I am delighted and hope that people will allow me to bowl without any tension," Akhtar said.

Foster, who formerly coached Western Australia and English county side Kent, is likely to continue working with Akhtar on Pakistan's forthcoming tour of England.