Why do rows erupt when Australia play Asia, asks Younis

Following on the controversy created by offspinner Saeed Ajmal saying Shane Watson tipped off the umpires about his bowling action, Pakistan captain Younis Khan has asked why such controversies occurred when Australia were playing teams from the subcontinent.

Ajmal was reported for a suspect bowling action when delivering the doosra after the second ODI against Australia in Dubai. The offspinner, however, believed that Shane Watson might have played a role in drawing attention to the bowling action by speaking to umpires Asad Rauf and Billy Bowden during the second one-day international at the Dubai Sports City Stadium.

"This is always happening with India and Pakistan and Australia,'' Younis told AAP. "Why do we create all the time controversies? Why? It's a fair game, you know. You're talking about the doosra, 'Why he bowl doosra?'

"Why [shouldn't] he [Ajmal] bowl the doosra? Because this is an art and especially Pakistanis and Indians, they have the art, so why [should it] not be allowed?" Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was reported for a suspect action in Perth in 1999 while Muttiah Muralitharan was called for chucking on two separate tours of Australia.

Australia captain Michael Clarke, however, played down the issue and said Watson did not speak to the umpires about Ajmal's action. "Watto certainly didn't go to the umpires and say a word, none of our players have approached the umpires and spoken about it," Clarke said. "For us I think the way this tournament has been played, the spirit of the game has been fantastic. Both teams have got on really well, it's been hard-fought cricket, it's been so competitive, it's been such a good tour so far."

Pakistan played Ajmal in the third ODI, which they lost by 27 runs to concede a 2-1 lead, and he continued to bowl the doosra. Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said Ajmal would continue to do so until he was tested by the ICC's experts.