Sri Lanka coach throws support behind reported bowler

Charlie Austin

August 21, 2001

Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore threw his support behind fast bowling allrounder Suresh Perera, who was reported for having a suspect action in the Galle Test, after Sri Lanka's final practice before the second Test in Kandy.

Suresh Perera

"We feel that Suresh (Perera) has a very bright future," he said. "It's a little bit disturbing, but we are confident that his action will be of no concern in the very near future."

He admitted though that Steve Bucknor's decision to report Perera had caused concern: "It's a little bit worrying because he is a young player who has only played in two Test matches and is thought of very highly by the selectors and the captain.

"He now needs to go through a process set up the ICC and we will fall into line with our duties, as laid down by the controlling body," he said.

"We are not sure what specific delivery prompted the report, but an occasional delivery has caused a concern for an international umpire, which is fine, as he has duties as well," he said. "We will learn more in time as to the specific nature of the concerns."

Perera is still in contention for a place in the Kandy Test: "The rules are quite clear," said Whatmore. "Suresh (Perera) can still participate in international cricket for the six weeks and as a result it will be up the selectors to decide whether he plays in this game."

This is not the first time that Perera's action has been questioned by an umpire. In 1999 umpire Asoka de Silva reported Perera to the Sri Lankan cricket board after a domestic game.

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Suresh Perera

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India tour of Sri Lanka

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