Gavaskar backs ICC process for dealing with suspected illegal bowling actions

Former India captain and Chairman of the ICC's Cricket Committee, Sunil Gavaskar, is backing the two-stage process put in place to deal with bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions claiming that it is a system that is leading not only to the detection of potentially flawed actions but also to the return to international cricket of bowlers reported with suspect actions.

"The ICC has overhauled the way in which it deals with suspect actions and the revised system that is in place provides a sensible way of dealing with this issue," said Mr Gavaskar.

"Match officials are well within their rights to report actions or deliveries that are of concern to them.

"Every bowler in international cricket is scrutinized and where concerns are identified, every bowler is provided with the necessary expert assistance to correct any flaws.

"We've already seen three bowlers reported over the past 12 months, all of whom are now back after making technical adjustments to their actions.

"It is in the overall interests of the game that potentially flawed actions are identified and addressed and the process that is in place ensures that this can take place.

"The application of the process over the past 12 months has shown that bowlers can make the necessary technical adjustments and return to the game if any flaws are identified.

"Where no flaws emerge, the system also ensures that match officials are in a better position to understand and deal with the particular actions of a particular bowler.

"In the case of Muralitharan too, this assessment will take place over the coming six weeks as he works with a suitable expert group to address the concerns that have been raised and addresses any concerns that are identified."

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