Harbhajan's action gets ICC clearance
The off-spinner has had his action effectively 'cleared', cricket chiefs said on Wednesday.
Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has had his action effectively 'cleared' by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the world governing body announced on Wednesday.
Back in December a group of officials, including former England batsman Chris Broad, raised concerns over Harbhajan's 'doosra', a delivery which turns away from a right-handed batsman — the opposite of an orthodox off-spin ball.
But Harbhajan was reported under now defunct 'chucking' regulations which were more strict than those which came into force on March 1 allowing bowlers up to 15 degrees of straightening of their arm in delivery.
In a statement, cricket chiefs said: "The ICC today confirmed that it has received a report on the bowling action of India bowler Harbhajan Singh from the Board of Control for Cricket in India which indicates that his bowling action for both his off-spinner and 'doosra' falls within the tolerance threshold prescribed in its new regulations.
"The report will now be forwarded to the members of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Referees."
Harbhajan was reported following the second Test between Bangladesh and India in Chittagong where he took two for 19 in the hosts's second innings during an innings and 83 run-win that saw India clinch the series 2-0.
His action was analysed last month by expert Bruce Elliott at the University of Western Australia, who supervised a high-speed camera test on Harbhajan.
Now the 24-year-old, nicknamed the 'Turbanator' in a reference to the head-covering he wears as a Sikh, can look forward to playing in India's home Test and one-day series against arch-rivals Pakistan later this month.
In his career to date Harbhajan has taken 189 wickets in 43 Tests.
This is not the first time he has had his action come under official scrutiny.
Back in 1998 he was forced to undergo remedial work in London where former England off-spinner Fred Titmus helped him remodel his action.
And, in common with all bowlers, there remains the possibility his action could yet be questioned again although the new regulations make such an outcome less likely than in previous years.
