Shabbir Ahmed's bowling action cleared

Pakistani pace bowler Shabbir Ahmed's bowling action has finally been cleared by a biomechanic expert, Pakistan cricket authorities said on Friday.

"Shabbir underwent tests on his action in Perth, Australia, under the supervision of professor Bruce Elliot. We have been intimated his action is clear," Pakistan Cricket Board director Saleem Altaf said.

Ahmed's was reported to the International Cricket Council in May during the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados, the third time since 1999 questions have been officially raised about his bowling style.

Shabbir has been suspended from bowling in international cricket since June, Altaf said.

"We are keen to have him available for the home series against England," Altaf said. "Which is why he was sent for the tests to Australia after undergoing remedial measures on his action."

Altaf said the Board had been informed that Shabbir's present action was within the permissible level of tolerance allowed by the ICC for bowlers to flex their elbow while bowling.

"The experts have recommended that he should continue to bowl side-on when his action remains clear," he said. "The problem is when he bowls chest on."

Altaf said the latest report on Shabbir's action would be sent to the ICC for clearance by next week.

Ahmed has taken 46 wickets in nine Tests.