'I'm happy the rule is in force' - Muralitharan

The throwing controversy, a heavy monkey on the back of bowlers everywhere, provoked more responses after the ICC raised tolerance levels to 15 degrees. While some - bowlers, notably - supported the decision, others questioned the motives behind the new, more lenient, rule. The responses once again indicated how divided the cricketing world was on a ruling that sought to end a decades-old point of conflict.

Muttiah Muralitharan, perhaps the most divisive figure in international cricket, told The Sun-Herald that he was satisfied with the resolution, optimistic that it would end the controversy over his unique bowling action. "I'm very happy the rule is in force. Hopefully that will be the end of it. But you never know because people can see different angles [to the story]."

Another marked bowler, whose action is currently under observation, Harbhajan Singh, backed his chances of coming through the controversy. "I have taken over 300 international wickets and I am confident that I will come out strong from this. I have always thought that my doosra is more wrist than elbow, but now I hope that I can just keep bowling."

Malcolm Speed, the ICC's chief executive, said that limiting the angle of a bent arm to 15 degrees would end the furore, over bowlers who throw, once and for all. "I think it will be well received by cricketers...that it is a tighter process, it's a safer process. I think we'll get the right answers and it will also provide the opportunity for bowlers to change their actions and come back and have a very productive career. If there are players who can't be cured, as we say, there's no place for throwing in the game."

Tim May, head of the Australian Cricketers Association, seconded Speed's view and added that a clear-cut rule would raise fewer questions. "It is fair and equitable for everyone. It doesn't leave individuals hanging in the balance or worse, having to go through their entire career with questions about 'does he throw?, does he not?'."