Narine reported again for suspect bowling action
KANDY, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Sunil Narine’s action has been reported to the International Cricket Council (ICC), a move that has dealt yet another blow to the wily off-spinner’s already troubled career.
The 27-year-old, who has struggled with his action over the last year, was reported for having a suspect bowling action following Saturday’s rain-hit third One-Day International here which West Indies lost by 19 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method.
“The match officials’ report, which was handed over to the West Indies team management after the match, cited concerns about the legality of the 27-year-old’s deliveries,” an ICC release said.
Under ICC regulations, Narine will now have to undergo testing on his action within two weeks but will be allowed to continue bowling until the results of the tests are known.
The right-armer was superb in the opening ODI in Colombo, taking three for 21 as West Indies lost a close contest by one wicket. He took a single scalp in the next game and went wicket-less in the third.
Trinidadian Narine, the leading bowler in the ICC rankings in both Twenty20 and ODIs, was also twice reported for a suspect action during last year’s Champions League Twenty20 and was forced to undergo Indian Cricket Board-approved testing before he was allowed to turn out in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.
He also opted out of the West Indies squad for the ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in February and March this year, to continue rehabilitation on his action.
The current series against Sri Lanka is the first time he has played internationally in over a year.
Narine is the second West Indies bowler to be reported to the ICC during the series with Marlon Samuels suffering the same fate following the second Test in Galle.
