Lawson's given the go-ahead to bowl again

Jermaine Lawson gets the green light from the ICC © Getty Images

Jermaine Lawson, the West Indian fast bowler, has got some breathing space from the International Cricket Council over his suspect bowling action. Lawson, 23, was pulled up for a dodgy bowling action for the second time in his career during the first Test in Colombo recently but the ICC felt his action fell within the prescribed limits.

"That is the formal position. They have found that his deliveries on average are within the 15 degrees," said Phillip Service, the Jamaica-based territorial development officer of the West Indies Cricket Board, to CMC Sports. "He has passed the test. However, we need to be continually aware that this is the second time he has been reported so he needs to maintain his fitness on one hand and also be reminded of the various things we worked on during his remediation."

Lawson had to undergo an ICC-mandated independent analysis of his action by Dr.Paul Hurrion, the London-based biomechanics expert. He was also excluded from the 28-man training squad for Jamaica for the President's Cup in October. However, Service added that Lawson was free to continue his career.

Lawson, who has taken 50 wickets in 12 Tests, also had his action reported by the ICC in 2003 after the Test series against Australia.