Shoaib for therapy

Shoaib for therapy
Agence France Presse

Perth, March 21: Controversial Pakistan express bowler Shoaib Akhtar - once regarded as the fastest bowler in the world - has arrived here to take part in tests which may determine his future in the game.

The 25-year-old’s suspect action will be minutely examined by former Western Australian and Kent coach Daryl Foster at the University of Western Australia. Foster said here today he will use a three-dimensional video system capable of operating at 50 frames a second to analyse the action of the ‘Rawalpindi Express.’

Shoaib was reported by umpires Steve Dunne and Doug Cowie during Pakistan’s final one-day match against New Zealand last month. It was the third time in 18 months umpires had expressed concern about the bowler’s action. Foster said the video system he would use was the latest technology and could be slowed to provide a clear indication if there was a problem with a bowling action.

The video produced in perth will also be used by the Pakistan Cricket Board to consider whether to reinstate Shoaib. If he is reported again by umpires, he will be banned from first-class cricket for a year. Foster, who established a reputation as one of the game’s most astute coaches, will be helped by former Test fast bowling great Dennis Lillee. If they detect a problem in his action, they will try to help him with remedial training. Shoaib’s action was first questioned by Australian umpires Ross Emerson and Terry Prue during a match between Pakistan and Western Australia at the WACA ground in Perth late 1999. They sent a videotape of his action to Australian Cricket Board, but no action was taken at that stage.