BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), May 30: Pakistan, 1-0 down in the two-Test series against West Indies, have been dealt a setback with the news that fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action. David Shepherd and Darrell Hair, who were the on-field umpires during the first Test, along with television replay umpire Basil Morgan, and match referee Ranjan Madugalle filed the report following the match on Sunday.

“The match officials had concerns with the action used by the bowler at certain stages during both innings when viewing it with the naked eye,” Madugalle said in an ICC statement.

“This assessment has led the match officials to request the International Cricket Council to commission a biomechanical report into the bowler’s action in accordance with the new process introduced earlier this year.”

Shabbir, whose action raised more than eyebrows during the Test and the preceding three-match One-day International series, snared five wickets for 136 runs from 38 overs in this match that West Indies won by 276 runs on the fourth day to clinch their first Test victory in a shade over one year.

The ICC statement said a member of its panel of human movement specialists would make an independent analysis of Shabbir’s action.

“This will take place as soon as practically possible, and within a maximum period of 21 days from receipt by the Pakistan Cricket Board of formal notice of the report by the ICC, together with copies of the relevant match tapes from the Test,” the release said.

Within 14 days of the independent analysis being carried out, the appointed specialist will supply the ICC with a written report advising the outcome of the bio-mechanical assessment. This will confirm whether the bowler’s action falls within, or exceeds, the 15 degrees of permitted elbow straightening.

The ICC concluded that until an independent analysis of Shabbir’s action is complete, and they have received a copy of the specialist’s assessment, the fast bowler will be allowed to play in the second and final Test against West Indies, starting at Kingston on Friday, only at the discretion of the PCB.—AFP