Inzamam refuses to back Harbhajan

Pakistani skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq on Wednesday refused to back Harbhajan Singh on the controversy surrounding his 'doosra' delivery.

Pakistani skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq on Wednesday refused to back Harbhajan Singh on the controversy surrounding his 'doosra' delivery, saying one needed to abide by rules.

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"One needed to follow rules; one can't go against rules," Inzamam told reporters.

Harbhajan was reported for suspect bowling action for the second time in four months after the second Test at Kolkata but he would be eligible to play in the third and final Test against Pakistan starting on Thursday.

Inzamam pointed out that Pakistan was also facing (similar) "problems" as Shoaib Malik had been reported for suspect bowling action a few months back.

Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer said on Tuesday that in Malik's case, an elbow impediment had to be taken into account and a second opinion would be sought on his elbow and shoulder from the ICC review panel in Cape Town.

Asked why Malik, an off-spinning all-rounder, could not be included in the team on batting merits, Inzamam said Malik would be considered if there was an opening in the middle order.

Woolmer had said "doosra is a new skill" and not a genuine throw, and urged the ICC to have a relook on the issue.

"ICC has to look whether they accept this new skill and to what level they are going to accept this new skill."