Shabbir gets all-clear to face England

Pakistan paceman Shabbir Ahmed, who has been suspended since July because of a suspect bowling action, has been given the all-clear to face England next month.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday that he could resume bowling in Tests and one-day internationals if his action is consistent with that used in an independent analysis.

"The findings of the report mean that Shabbir can resume bowling in international cricket," ICC general manager for cricket, David Richardson, said in a statement.

"However, everyone needs to be aware that no bowler is ever 'cleared' as they could simply revert to bad habits."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said last month it had been informed that Shabbir's present action was within the ICC's 15 degree level of tolerance for bowlers to flex their elbow.

Shabbir, who has taken 46 Test and 33 one-day international wickets, will be available for the home series against England. The first Test in Multan starts on November 12.

England are scheduled to play three Tests and five one-day internationals in Pakistan after they arrive on October 26.

Shabbir was reported to the ICC in May during the first Test against West Indies in Barbados, the third time since 1999 that questions have been officially raised about his bowling style.

The PCB board was keen to have him available against England and he underwent remedial work with a team of its coaches led by Bob Woolmer.

His action was then assessed on the basis of bio-mechanical analysis at the University of Western Australia in Perth in September under the supervision of professor Bruce Elliott.

As well as Shabbir's action being within the ICC's tolerance levels, the assessment also highlighted improvement in his bowling action since he was reported.

The analysis did, however, identify areas of potential concern which have been passed on to the PCB and Shabbir.