Published: Jan 21, 2016, 04:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 21, 2016, 04:31 PM (IST)
Zimbabwe fast bowler Brian Vitori has been reported for suspect bowling action during the third T20 International (T20I) between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and Bangladesh at Khulna. Zimbabwe won the match by 31 runs. The match officials’ report was submitted to the Zimbabwe team management, which stated that Vitori’s deliveries were indeed illegal. Vitori is yet to get a single wicket in the series and has also been expensive throughout the series. His place in the side was anyway going to be in doubt for the final T20I and the fact that his bowling action has been found illegal will probably make the selectors make him sit the next match out. FULL SCORECARD: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 2016, 3rd T20I at Khulna
According to an ICC media release, “Vitori’s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to suspected illegal bowling actions reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He is required to undergo testing within 14 days, and, during this period, Vitori is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known.”
In other news, the ICC also announced that Netherlands fast bowler Ahsan Malik can continue to bowl in international cricket after he had reworked his action to match the ICC standards. Making this announcement the ICC in a media release said, “Since being reported in July during last year’s ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, Ahsan had remodeled his bowling action prior to applying to have his action re-tested. The result shows that the level of elbow extension measured for all deliveries bowled was now within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC regulations.
The umpires are still at liberty to report Malik in the future if they believe the bowler is displaying a suspect action and not reproducing the legal action that was analysed during the re-test. To assist in comparing the action used in the lab to the action used in upcoming matches, umpires have been provided with images and video footage of the remodeled legal action of the bowler.”
