The ECB today moved to refute allegations that Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action was under investigation by umpires during Pakistan's tour game at Derby.

A newspaper report claimed umpires Peter Willey and Tony Clarkson had asked to see slow-motion action replays of Shoaib's action.

But Alan Fordham, ECB Operations Manager (First Class), said: "Sky invited the on-pitch umpires, Peter Willey and Tony Clarkson, and the third umpire Roy Palmer, to visit their production truck yesterday morning in order to study the new Skyscope technology applied to lbw decisions.

"During the course of their visit, the umpires saw TV clips of several bowlers including one delivery by Shoaib Akhtar. But it is wholly misleading to suggest that the umpires' visit to the Sky production truck was prompted by concerns about Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action. The umpires will not be making any mention of Shoaib Akhtar's action in their report on the match to the ECB."

It was Willey, along with Australian umpire Darrell Hair, who reported Shoaib to the International Cricket Council after a Test match in Perth 18 months ago.

And by a remarkable coincidence, Willey and Hair are due to stand in the First Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's starting on May 11.

Shoaib also had his action questioned during a One-Day International in New Zealand last February, prompting him to have it remodelled under the guidance of Dennis Lillee.

Meanwhile, there are doubts over whether Shoaib will be picked for the First Test because of his form and fitness.

He was thrust into the tour game against Derbyshire within 24 hours of his delayed arrival in the UK and turned in a disappointing performance.

He bowled 12 overs in the first innings, taking two wickets, but failed to add to those dismissals in the second innings and bowled only five lacklustre overs on the final day.

His performance prompted captain Waqar Younis to say: "He's not bowled for a long time and it's hard for a guy to fly straight in and run in and bowl in this cold weather. He needs more time to get back into his rhythm.

"It's very hard to say if he has enough time to do that before the Test and at the moment we are not really sure about him."

There is also a fitness worry over Inzamam-ul-Haq who failed to appear in the field yesterday at Derby after slipping in the shower. However, it is thought he should be able to play in the three-day game against Kent at Canterbury starting tomorrow.

© CricInfo Ltd.