ICC writes to WICB following receipt of Lawson report

The International Cricket Council has written to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) following independent analysis of the action of fast bowler Jermaine Lawson, confirming that he can continue bowling in international cricket.

A letter from ICC General Manager - Cricket, David Richardson to the WICB explains that the laboratory analysis of Mr Lawson's bowling action identified that the action as observed in the laboratory does currently fall within the prescribed 15º level of tolerance permitted in the ICC regulations and also highlights improvement in Mr Lawson's bowling action since he was reported.

The analysis conducted by the biomechanist Dr Paul Hurrion did, however, identify areas of potential concern which, in line with the Procedure for the Review of Bowlers with Suspect Bowling Actions, have been passed on to the WICB and Mr Lawson.

After forwarding the report to the WICB, ICC General Manager - Cricket, David Richardson, re-stated the ICC's policy in relation to suspected illegal bowling actions.

"The findings of the report mean that Jermaine can continue to bowl in international cricket," said Mr Richardson.

"It is important to be aware, however, that no bowler is ever `cleared' as they could simply revert to bad habits. All bowlers are subject to further reporting if the match officials are of the view that they have concerns about whether a delivery or deliveries conform to the laws of cricket when observed with the naked eye."

The examination was undertaken in the UK with the biomechanical assessment performed by Dr Paul Hurrion at the Sports Science Department of the University College Chichester on 10 August 2005.

Full details of the Procedure for the Review of Bowlers with Suspect Bowling Actions are available in the rules and regulations section of the ICC website.