Bio-mechanical analysis of Harbhajan Singh's action underway with review by independent expert

One of the world's leading cricket bio-mechanists, Marc Portus, who is based at the Australian Institute of Sport, is undertaking the initial bio-mechanical analysis of Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh's action with a review of all relevant match and bio-mechanical footage as well as any other relevant information the ICC confirmed today.

ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the ready availability of footage of Harbhajan's action from previous bio-mechanical analyses in both England and Australia as well as recent match footage provided Mr Portus with the ability to start his investigation by reviewing the existing material on the bowler's action.

"In the case of Harbhajan, we are in the fortunate position of having a considerable library of material from the previous investigations that have taken place," said Mr Speed.

"This material provides a starting point for the bio-mechanical analysis required under the ICC's process. This information and footage has now been made available to Mr Portus as he starts his own independent analysis of Harbhajan's action.

"Mr Portus will be asked to determine if there has been a change in the action used by Harbhajan by comparing the previous bio-mechanical analyses of his action with the action used during the Test that prompted the latest report from the match officials."

Mr Speed said that the ICC and the BCCI had agreed that the bio-mechanical analysis would follow this path.

"By agreeing to the way in which the bio-mechanical analysis of Harbhajan's action will take place, the ICC and the BCCI have been able to ensure that:

• The player is treated fairly throughout this process in light of the previous investigations into his action;

• the ICC process requiring independent bio-mechanical analysis of a reported bowler is followed;
• the concerns expressed by the match officials are fully investigated; and
• that any conclusions reached are fact-based and supported by clear evidence."

This analysis is expected to take up to two weeks to complete.