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Harbhajan can play Bangalore Test
Harbhajan Singh, who has been reported for a suspect action, would now have to undergo analysis by an independent ICC panel within 21 days but is free to play till then at the "discretion" of BCCI.
Harbhajan Singh has been reported for a suspect bowling action for the second time in four months but the star Indian off-spinner will be eligible to play in this week's third cricket Test against Pakistan as per the rules.
Harbhajan was reported for suspect action for his 'doosra', a delivery that spins away from a right-handed batsman, after the second cricket Test between India and Pakistan at Kolkata, the International Cricket Council said on Monday.
The bowler was reported by the on-field umpires Darell Hair and Steve Bucknor, the third umpire A Jayaprakash and the match referee Chris Broad.
Incidently, Harbhajan was cleared by the ICC to play in the Test series against Pakistan earlier this month after he was reported for his 'doosra' in the second Test against Bangladesh in December.
"The report relates specifically to the bowler's action when delivering the 'doosra'. It was noticeable to the umpires and me that there was an apparent change in action when bowling this delivery between the first innings of the match, when no concerns were raised, and the second, which then prompted the report to be made," ICC match referee Chris Broad was quoted as saying in a ICC release.
"Broad has informed both the ICC and the Indian team management of the report, as per the ICC regulations governing the reporting process," the release said.
This is the third time in his career that Harbhajan has been reported for suspected bowling action, and the first time after the ICC made changes to the bowling rules allowing spinners to straighten their arms by 15 degrees.
Harbhajan would now have to "undergo independent analysis" of his action by a specialised ICC panel within 21 days and would be free to play till then at the "discretion" of the Indian cricket Board.
"This will take place as soon as practically possible, and within a maximum period of 21 days from receipt by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of formal notice of the report by the ICC, together with copies of the relevant match tapes from the Kolkata Test," it said.
"Within 14 days of the independent analysis being carried out, the appointed specialist will supply the ICC with a written report advising the outcome of the bio-mechanical assessment. This will confirm whether the bowler's action falls within, or exceeds, the 15 degrees of permitted elbow straightening," it added.
