07 February 2004	Saturday	15 Zilhaj 1424

LAHORE, Feb 6: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send pace man Shabbir Ahmed to Australia to rectify his bowling action under the coaching of Daryl Foster.

A PCB spokesman said that the decision has been taken with the consent of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Foster, had previously worked with Shoaib Akhtar whenthe speedster faced similar problems.

The spokesman added that Shabbir was an asset and the PCB would protect and safeguard him." We want Shabbir to spend at least a week in Australia and return before the Indian series to start his rehabilitation process under our own bowling experts.

Shabbir will fly to Australia as soon as his travel documents are complete, "the spokesman quoted PCB chief executive Ramiz Raja on Friday.

Foster has previously toured with the Pakistan team as bowling coach. His last assignment with the squad was at the ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

Shabbir was reported for suspect bowling action during the fifth one-day international against New Zealand by umpires Daryl Hair and Billy Bowden.