Senanayake’s action to be tested in Cardiff

Tuesday, 10 June 2014 01:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ESPNCricinfo: Offsp-inner Sachithra Senanayake is set to return to the UK, days after he arrived in Sri Lanka, following SLC’s decision to send him to the newly accredited Cardiff Metropolitan University for biomechanical testing of his action. Senanayake was reported for a suspect action during the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s and has to undergo testing within 21 days.

“Senanayake will go in for ICC scrutiny at the Cardiff Metropolitan University within the next few days,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva told the Sunday Times. “We have notified the ICC of our option and they in turn will reserve a date for Senanayake to attend the sessions.” Senanayake will bowl each of his variations, including the doosra, during the tests as he aims to prove his elbow does not flex beyond the permitted 15 degrees. His bowling action in the lab will be compared with footage of his deliveries from recent matches, to ensure he reproduces the action he uses in international cricket. Senanayake was Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker in the recently-concluded series, taking nine wickets at 15.11. His action had been cleared by the ICC in 2011, after biomechanical tests at the University of Western Australia had shown he adhered to the limits of the ICC’s Playing Conditions. That round of testing had come after remedial work, which had been prompted by complaints about his action during Sri Lanka A’s tour of England. Cardiff Metropolitan University was revealed as an accredited testing centre on Friday. A few more testing facilities – in England, Australia, India and South Africa – are expected to be accredited over the coming months.

Gibbs, Oram pull out of T20 event after Pakistan attack

REUTERS: Pakistan cricket was dealt a new blow on Monday when former test players Herschelle Gibbs and Jacob Oram opted out of a Twenty20 competition because of a deadly attack by Taliban militants on a Karachi airport. At least 27 people were killed on Sunday when Taliban militants disguised as security forces stormed the Jinnah International Airport. South African Gibbs and New Zealander Oram had been due to play for Omar Associates next month in a high-profile T20 tournament held annually in Karachi. “We spoke to them through their agent and they were keen to come but after this incident the agent has said they have been told not to travel to Pakistan,” entrepreneur Nadeem Omar told Reuters. “What happened is most unfortunate and disappointing because we were looking forward to hosting Gibbs and Oram but we are still trying to convince them they should come to Karachi.” No test-playing nation has toured Pakistan since an attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore in March 2009. Most of the top Pakistan players turn out in the T20 tournament. The competition is shown live on domestic television and attracts big crowds.