Ajmal reported for illegal bowling action

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action less than two months before a series against Australia in the UAE.

Pakistani cricketer Saeed Ajmal

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action. (AAP)

Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal's availability for the upcoming Test and limited-overs series against Australia is in jeopardy after he was reported for a suspect action for the second time in his career.

The ICC on Monday said the 36-year-old, who made his Test debut five years ago and has since played 34 Tests, must undergo testing within 21 days.

He was reported after his side's seven-wicket loss in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on Sunday.

"The match officials' report... cited concerns over a number of deliveries that were considered to be suspect," said the ICC statement.

Ajmal is allowed to play until the results of the testing are known, meaning he's available for the second match against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo on Thursday in Mahela Jayawardene's final Test.

After the tour of Sri Lanka, Pakistan will play a two-Test series and three ODIs against Australia in October and November in the United Arab Emirates.

He was previously reported in 2009 during a one-day series against Australia in Dubai before he cleared all the tests.

Ajmal is the No.1-ranked bowler in international cricket and has taken 174 Test wickets and 182 wickets in 110 ODIs since he made his international debut in 2008.

"This has come as a surprise to us," Pakistan manager Moin Khan said in Colombo.

"But there is no panic. We support him and he will play in the next Test."

Ajmal is seen as the key to the hopes of former champions Pakistan in next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.


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