Hafeez likely to be ready for World Cup 2019 fitness test

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is likely to be ready for the fitness tests, ahead of International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2019 in England and Wales.

According to Daily Express, Hafeez is strictly following the rehabilitation plan in order to recover from thumb injury; he suffered during HBL Pakistan Super League season four.

Although Hafeez is yet to begin gym work and running but it is quite likely that he will be part of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s scheduled fitness tests of 23-man probables squad, for World Cup 2019, on April 15 and 16 at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

The 38-year-old’s fitness test can also been taken on Pakistan team’s arrival in England, if he is not fit for next week’s tests.

The all-rounder got injured after a powerful shot from Karachi Kings batsman Colin Ingram struck him on his thumb. He underwent surgery, twice, in England and was asked to rest for a period of two weeks, after his second operation, before beginning training once again.

Sources have also stated that selection committee, headed by Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq, believe that Hafeez can prove to be a valuable addition to the squad bearing in mind conditions in England and his experience.

The selection committee will announce the squad for the World Cup 2019 on April 18 in Lahore.

The Pakistan cricket team will depart for England on April 23, where they will play England in a series of practice and international matches, before beginning their World Cup 2019 campaign against the Windies on May 31 at Trent Bridge.