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“I am not looking to revive my international career by clearing this bowling test,” Hafeez told journalists at a press conference in Karachi. “My batting statistics speak for themselves. I just want to satisfy the bowler inside me after clearing this test.”
Do you want @MHafeez22 back in Pakistan team as an all-rounder? https://t.co/kODbb8eV5C #Cricket
— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) November 18, 2016
Bowling clearance is Hafeez’s ticket to the Test team
When asked about the bowling test he recently underwent in a biomechanics lab at Brisbane’s International Cricket Council (ICC)-accredited laboratory, Hafeez said he was hopeful of a positive result.
“I am hopeful of the test,” he said, “I was working on it for the last one year. I am thankful to people who helped me. I want to play the role of an all-rounder again as I did before the ban.”
He added: “I am a simple off-spin bowler. I never bowled with extensive variety so I gave a simple off-spin bowling test. My action has been remodeled. Whatever I did earlier was natural and now I have changed my action a little. I was hit for sixes and fours earlier as well but the repetition I have added to my new action will make it as effective.”
Alham du Lillah done with the bowling action test.In shaa Allah all wil be fine.thanks for all the Fans 4 their wishes & prays 👍stay blessed
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 17, 2016
Hafeez positive about clearing bowling action test
The 36-year-old denied claims that his already flailing batting form will be affected if he had to bowl as well.
“Returning as an all-rounder won’t put more pressure on me. My bowling had always allowed for a better combination for the captain,” said Hafeez.
The right-hand batsman had to leave the tour of England due to an injury after an under-par showing with the bat and he admitted it. “My fitness is fine now. As for my comeback, my performance against England was not good – I admit that.”
Going tonight to Brisbane 4 bowling action test..In shaa Allah Wil resume my bowling soon & Wil earn ICC NO1 allrounder spot again .. AAMEEN pic.twitter.com/hahazw9SQI
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 13, 2016
As a batsman, I didn’t exhibit poor performance: Hafeez
When asked if he fails the bowling test, Hafeez said things won’t change much for him because he always considered himself a batsman first. “Whatever the result maybe, it will not affect me. Even if I fail, I will work harder to clear the action. I just miss bowling.”
On a question of if he is in favour of day-night tests, Hafeez said the five-day format should not be tampered with.
“I am against changing the tradition of Test cricket. Pink ball has a lot of issues. The beauty of Test cricket should not be altered,” concluded Hafeez.
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