Sunil Narine reported for suspect action during West Indies Sri Lanka series

After the third West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODI in Pallekele, visiting team offspinner Sunil Narine has been reported fora suspect bowling action. In a report given to West Indies team management, match officials have expressed doubt over legality of the 27-year-old’s deliveries. In this match which Sri Lanka won by Duckworth Lewis method, Narine’s bowling figures were 0 wicket for 24 runs.

The Caribbean offspinner has to undergo tests on his action within 14 days and until the results come out, he can continue with his bowling.

A statement released on Monday November 9 said, “Narine’s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to suspected illegal bowling actions reported in Tests, ODIs and T20s. He is required to undergo testing within 14 days and during this period, Narine is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known.”

The West Indian’s bowling action was under scanner during Indian Premier League and also Champions League T20. In October 2014, his bowling during Kolkata Knight Riders’ group game against Dolphins was suspected. He was reported in two matches which led him to miss the tournament final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. In IPL 2015, Narine’s bowling actions were again reported after the Kolkata Knight Riders’ April 22 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

After being reported during IPL 2015, he was banned from bowling his offbreaks. However, after a test conducted by Board for Control of Cricket in India’s Suspect Bowling Action Committee he was cleared but with a ‘final warning’. This recent one is the first time the 27-year-old’s bowling action in an international game has been reported.

After the IPL and CLT20 incidents, Narine was free to bowl for his national team but West Indies kept him out of their squad during India tour giving him “the opportunity to have his action assessed and plan his return to cricket”. He was called back in the West Indian squad for World Cup 2015 but Narine pulled himself out as he felt it was “a little too much too soon”.