WALTER ALIBEY
T&T'S mystery spinner Sunil Narine has been cleared to bowl again. The International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday confirmed in a release that Narine's action was found to be legal after remedial work and a retest at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai on March 28.
The off-spinner can resume bowling at both international and domestic cricket events worldwide. According to the ICC, the re-test revealed the amount of elbow extensions in Narine's bowling action were within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC's regulations for review of bowlers reported for suspected illegal bowling action.
It noted however that umpires are still free to report the player if he is found to be displaying illegal action.
Contacted David Furlonge, the Queen's Park coach where Narine plays, said he was elated to hear the news and credits the 26-year old Narine for his hard work and dedication towards correcting his action. He also praised the assistance of English bowling coach Carl Crowe and T&T's Kelvin Williams for the work they did.
"When he was reported and heard later that he was banned by the ICC, Sunil called and told me that he was returning home to work on his action. As soon as he arrived, he went straight in the nets and had been there spending many hours and days to be able to bowl legally again," Furlonge explained.
Word of Narine's clearance spread yesterday with Crowe contacting Furlonge who was also contacted by Narine and other coaches.
Narine has been back home following the death of his father last week and Furlonge said his bowler did not want to speak with anyone yesterday as he was enduring a trying period in his life. "He has been going through a lot lately, ranging from discrediting e-mails from the T&T Cricket Board executives to the death of his father."
Narine was also given time off by his IPL club Kolkata Knight Riders and will return when he has dealt with his issues. He will make an appearance today when the Parkites play Esmeralda Sports in the National Gas Company (NGC) T20 Festival Tournament at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain Couva from 7:00pm.He is expected to return to India for the IPL soon.
Furlonge said he now looks forward to the ICC publishing the release of Narine's clearance as they did when he was banned a few months ago.