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Chucking controversy

Ruchira Perera's action under scrutiny

Sa'adi Thawfeeq

March 9, 2008

	Ruchira Perera's action comes under the scanner yet again © Getty Images

The Sri Lankan board has banned Ruchira Perera, a left-arm fast bowler, for a suspect bowling action. He will not be allowed to bowl until further notice.

Sri Lanka Cricket have received several umpires' reports on Perera's bowling action during the on-going first-class season, a source in the board said.

Perera, 30, who has played eight Tests and 19 ODIs for Sri Lanka, turns out for Colombo Colts in the Premier League competition. He is the club's leading wicket-taker this season - with 24 wickets from four matches at 15.58.

Batsmen have been constantly hit by some of Perera's deliveries which have been termed dangerous, it's been reported. The SLC video-taped Perera's bowling action during matches and its technical committee reviewed it and sent the tapes and their report to Marc Portus, the bio-mechanist at the Australian Institute of Sport. The technical committee comprised Bandula Warnapura, director cricket operations, and former umpires KT Francis, Peter Manuel, BC Cooray and Godfrey Pushparaja.

Portus' report indicated that Perera's bowling arm exceeded the 15-degree limit allowed by the ICC, and he remedial action to rectify it. Till his action is cleared by the ICC, he will not be allowed to bowl.

Perera's action came under scrutiny on Sri Lanka's tour to England in 2002. On advice from Darryl Foster, a bowling coach and biomechanics expert at the University of Western Australia, Perera modified his wrist position just before the point of delivery. The SLC were satisfied with the adjustment then.

Perera returned to international cricket in late 2002, against South Africa, but he was only a shadow of the bowler he had been earlier. He didn't play Tests again, although he played a part in ODIs till 2007.

© Cricinfo