Kirtley in the clear

Clive Lloyd has insisted he has not requested for any footage of James Kirtley's bowling action, despite suggestions in the press that he had.

Lloyd, the match referee for England's series in Sri Lanka, was reacting to reports in newspapers that he was to inspect video evidence of Kirtley from two years ago, when he underwent remedial work with Bob Cottam, the former England bowling coach.

Kirtley was reported in 2001 by Colonel Naushad Ali, a Pakistan official, during England's one-day series in Zimbabwe, in which he made his one-day debut.

However, after his work with Cottam to iron out any problems, his action was passed by the ICC. He then made his Test debut against South Africa earlier this year, taking eight wickets and the Man of the Match award.

He also played in England's second Test against Sri Lanka at Kandy, and neither umpire battered an eyelid about his action. Hence, Lloyd today insisted there was no need whatsoever to take the matter any further by watching video footage.

"I wouldn't do that unless the umpires have said something was wrong and nothing has been said," said Lloyd. "I hadn't seen him bowl before and there's obviously been some speculation in the past. We will have to keep monitoring the situation as we do with all bowlers."

Ha added: "I can understand that it has been hard for James Kirtley. I was a cricketer and I understand the guy's position. Nothing has been reported so Mr Kirtley can rest assured and so can the England team that everything is fine. Nobody wants to mar this series.

"The young guy has had some problems before. He has rectified his action and if as such things changed then we would take it from there but at the moment everything is all right."