Lahore, Jan 4 (IANS): Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has failed an unofficial test to rectify his bowling action in a bio-mechanics test in Chennai, according to media reports in Pakistan.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has said the bending of Hafeez’s arm both round and over the wicket exceeded the permissible limit of 15 degrees - the legal level set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for bowlers, reports the Dawn.

"While bowling over the wicket, Hafeez exceeded the limit by one to three degrees while bowling from round the wicket it ranged between 12 and 19 degrees, the official said.

The result means PCB may not apply for an official test of Hafeez's action and he could be picked up for the squad for the impending World Cup purely as a batsman.

The 34-year-old's action was reported against in November, during the first Test opposite New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. His action was found to be illegal in December and the ICC report said the analysis had shown that the flex for all his deliveries was above the 15-degree limit.

Hafeez was the second Pakistani spinner, after Saeed Ajmal, to be suspended for an illegal action last year.

The final Pakistan squad for the World Cup is to be named Jan 7.