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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Shoaib could be called again: Gavaskar

Shoaib could be called again: Gavaskar

Source: PTI
Last updated on: February 07, 2006 17:03 IST
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Sunil Gavaskar, a key functionary in the International Cricket Council, says Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar could be called again for his action.

The legendary batsman, who is chairman of ICC's Cricket Committee and was also a part of a review committee on chucking laws, said no bowler with suspect action is ever cleared for good and is open to scrutiny at any time.

"Shoaib Akhtar could be called up again for his action," the former captain said during a discussion in 'Sportscentre', an ESPN-Star Sports news programme.

"There is one thing that everyone needs to understand that no bowler is ever cleared. Every ball he bowls he can be scrutinised and he can be called. The umpire out on the field can call the bowler if he feels that his action is not right," he said.

Shoaib, who was cleared by ICC after being reported thrice for chucking, has once again come under the scanner with some former cricketers and India coach Greg Chappell hinting that his action was questionable.

The fastest bowler in the world is currently playing in the home series against India.

Gavaskar said although umpires refrain from calling the bowler themselves, they often do report their doubts to the third umpire or the match-referee.

"Unfortunately, because sometimes there is an optical illusion that is created, lot of umpires prefer to report to third umpire and the match referee. And therefore the bowler can come under the scanner of ICC," Gavaskar said, according to excerpts of the programme made available to PTI on Tuesday.

In the same vein, the former India captain appreciated Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for responding to Australians' doubts by getting tested Down Under.

"But what Murali is doing, because he has had problems with Australian crowds and odd reports in the media over there, he has just gone to give himself the confidence, as well as his supporters and the crowds … that 'look I am going to your guys, I am going to undertake tests at your labs'. And therefore he is just trying to clear his name and which I think is fantastic."

Asked if Sachin Tendulkar should play only one-dayers, keeping World Cup 2007 in mind, Gavaskar said, "I don't think so."

"Sachin should play in both one-dayers as well as Test cricket because he has still got everything in him. In fact, I think, if he wants to prolong his Test career, may be, he should be choosy about the one-day matches he plays.

"He has done in the past when India have played one-day matches in India. He has not played in all the matches and may be he should look to do that. Eventually it's his own body which is going to tell him what he should be doing. At the moment he is very fit. Thankfully, he has come back from his elbow injury. I think he should continue to play both versions of the game."

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