Australia Coach Foster Clears Muralitharan (22 Jan 1996)

Monday 22, January 1996

Foster clears `Murali`s` action

By Sa`adi Thawfeeq

Controversial off-spinner Muthiah Muralitharan`s bowling action was cleared by one of Australia`s most respected cricket coaches Darrel Foster on Sunday.

Foster, a former Western Australian coach presently with the English county Kent, is attached to the bio-mechanics and sports medicine unit of the University of Western Australia.

According to Cricket Board president Ana Punchihewa, Foster`s report is very vital because he is very well respected throughout Australia.

Foster`s report is expected to give a new dimension towards clearing Muralitharan on throwing charges brought against him by Australian umpires Darrel Hair and Ross Emerson who called him for chucking in two separate matches during the current tour.

This led to Muralitharan being left out of the Sri Lanka team for its matches in the World Series Cup competition which ended on Saturday.

However, with the arrival of Foster`s report, the Sri Lankan team management are seriously considering playing Muralitharan in the third and final Test against Australia starting at Adelaide on Thursday.

The Cricket Board intends getting Foster`s report across to the match referee, the umpires, the ICC (International Cricket Council) and the ACB (Australian Cricket Board) in order to give the correct information about the new evidence that has surfaced.

Tests conducted by former Sri Lanka cricketer Dr. Buddy Reid and John Harmer, one of the leading sport biomechanics on Muralitharan have also been made available to these respective individuals and bodies.

Source :: Lake House/Lanka Internet Services