Film chuckers in Tests - Buchanan

[Donny]

Buchanan wants to film chuckers

By Peter Lalor - Fox


WITH the cricket world embroiled in the latest Muttiah Muralitharan chucking controversy, Australia coach John Buchanan has called for cameras at grounds to identify illegal deliveries during games.

This comes as Sri Lanka authorities wait on a reply from the International Cricket Council after forwarding a report about the off-spinner's controversial doosra.

Leaked data from the investigation into his action reveals Muralitharan does flex his elbow beyond the allowable limit, but scientists have backed calls from the Sri Lanka board to allow him more leeway.

However, there is cynicism in cricket circles about laboratory testing of bowlers. Many, including Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, question whether the delivery is the same used during the game.

Buchanan believes authorities must look at using the technology during matches.

"In the future I think one way for the ICC or each country, if they are serious about this notion of throwing, is to introduce a red-light camera scenario," Buchanan told The Australian yesterday.

"Police understand that there are certain locations or intersections which are quite dangerous, so intermittently they put a red-light camera there to catch people."

Buchanan said bowlers' actions could not be checked in experimental conditions.

"I believe the only way to do it is to set up at several venues in match conditions," he said.

"It is a difficult one because it's a very costly exercise, but so are red-light cameras."

Buchanan said the legality of Muralitharan's bowling was irrelevant now that he had more than 500 Test wickets.

"He's not going to be stopped now and the ICC has made a ruling on his elbow and that's history, whether that's right or wrong is irrelevant and another issue, but in his case they've made their judgment and it's time to move forward from that," he said.

"So, let's look at what he does do with his wrist and fingers and how that can be of benefit to future wrist spinners, and let's go back to the coaching and the talent identification and the ways and means of dealing with younger players who are coming through who might have suspect actions."

Spin bowling coach and former Test cricketer Terry Jenner believes nothing will come of the new investigation.

"What can they do?" Jenner asked. "The ICC is between a rock and a hard place. There is a credibility issue with this whole thing.

"Let's accept that this guy is unique, but we have to stop other kids trying to do it."

Jenner said the testing process of Muralitharan appeared flawed and that the match referee Chris Broad, who reported the bowler, should have been at the tests.

But the ICC has bowed to apparent pressure from the Sri Lanka cricket board and removed the referee from the series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, which started overnight.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed issued a statement saying Broad could not adjudicate while Muralitharan's doosra was under review and revealed that the board was also under pressure to have him stand down from Sri Lanka's tour of Australia in July.

Speed said the Sri Lanka board would need to provide a compelling reason for Broad not to fulfil his appointment.

[Donny]

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