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No to Doosra!
Murali's new delivery Doosra -not within the ICC tolerance level
By Marlon Fernandopulle
As Muttiah Muralitharan arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday following a series of tests in Australia on his 'doosra', speculation was rife that the much talked about delivery was not within the current levels of tolerance set by the ICC for spinners who have suspect bowling actions.

According to the ICC's process for reviewing of bowlers with suspected illegal bowling actions, the levels of tolerance (amount of elbow straightening prior to the release of the ball measured in degrees) for spinners (wrist/finger) is five degrees. The Sunday Times learns from highly reliable sources that in the case of Muralitharan's doosra, the tests concluded in Australia has revealed that the elbow straightening is much more than five degrees. Thus making his doosra an illegal delivery ,if not a throw.

When contacted by the Sunday Times the President of SLC Mohan de Silva confirmed that Murali arrived in the island on Friday but remained tightlipped on the outcome of the tests. "We are expecting the official report from Australia within the next few days, it's only after this that we would know the outcome of the tests. When asked what SLC proposes to do if the tests reveals that Murali's doosra is illegal, De Silva replied, "Sri Lanka Cricket will do everything possible to protect Murali and ensure that he continues to play".

Muralitharan's doosra was reported by match referee Chris Broad on the last day of the third and final test between Sri Lanka and Australia. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wasted no time as they consulted with an ICC appointed human movement specialist Professor Bruce Elliot and sent their champion off spinner to the University of Queensland in Western Australia to undergo tests to ascertain the legality of the doosra. Strapped with reflective markers and watched by 12 high speed cameras, capable of of shooting 250 frames per second, Muralitharan bowled five overs to complete the test on April 2. Although he was expected soon after the initial tests, the bowler remained in Australia for a few more days and continued with the tests.

It is believed that Muralitharan remained in Australia for a few more days to work with Sri Lanka's bowling advisor Daryl Foster and reduce the number of degrees during the straightening of the elbow, to an acceptable level. Although this exercise has been successful the Sunday Times learns that Muralitharan's doosra is still not within the ICC acceptable limit of five degrees.

The five degree tolerance level for spinners stipulated by the ICC has been done without any prior research on slow bowlers. ICC General Manager -cricket David Richardson was quoted a few days back saying that they intend to conduct a lot of research on slow bowlers begining this year as they have done with the fast bowlers. In this backdrop one wonders whether the ICC tolerance level set at five degrees for spinners is acceptable. It will not be surprising to note that a majority of current slow bowlers playing around the world today will not be within this five degree level of tolerance.

Muttiah Muralitharan who has already been named in the squad to Zimbabwe is only six wickets away from the world record of 519 wickets held by West Indian Courtney Walsh. With these latest developments surfacing it will be interesting to see whether the Lankan off spinner will make it to Zimbabwe and if he does, will he continue with the doosra?

SLC confirms Zimbabwe tour
SLC confirmed that they will go ahead with the Zimbabwe tour next week despite the stand-off between the senior players of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Cricket Union(ZCU) following the controversey over the alleged resignation of their captain Heath Streak. Senior players of Zimbabwe have given a Wednesday deadline to ZCU to re-instate Streak or face a player revolt. ZCU was quoted as saying that they will field a second string of players against Sri Lanka if required. Sri Lanka will leave for Zimbabwe this week to play five ODI's and two test matches.

Meanwhile SLC Chief Executive Duleep Mendis left for Australia to inspect the two test venues at Cairns and Darwin .Sri Lanka will play two tests matches at these relatively new test venues in June this year.

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