BBL 2017-18: Arjun Nair suspended for suspect bowling action

Young Australian mystery spinner Arjun Nair has been suspended from bowling in the domestic cricket for a period at least three months. This has come as a big blow to the teams he has been representing in the domestic circuit and in the Big Bash League. The Sydney Thunder spinner was reported for a suspect action during the match against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 30, 2017.

The match officials were quick to report his action to the senior officials. Subsequently, on January 4, 2018, Arjun Nair underwent the tests at the Bupa National Cricket Centre. The results turned out to be quite surprising since his action was found out to be different to the one that he had used during the match against the Hobart Hurricanes. This led to the severe punishment for Arjun.

As per the rules of the Cricket Australia, if a bowler has a “markedly different action” in the testing compared to his action in the reported match, the player will be suspended from bowling in all domestic cricket (including the BBL) for at least 90 days. He can apply for another analysis and can be deemed to play in the coming fixtures if his action gets cleared now. Meanwhile, he has received the backing from his Sydney Thunder camp.

“Arjun is a talented and popular member of our club. We believe he will have a long and successful career with Sydney Thunder and shall support him through this process,” Sydney Thunder general manager Lee Germon quoted as per the quotes in Cricket.com.au.

In the good books of captain

It is worth noting that the Sydney Thunder skipper Shane Watson is quite impressed with Arjun Nair. He had earlier remarked Nair to be the x-factor with the ball for the Thunders. Watson had called the team to be fortunate to have the services of Nair.

“He’s someone who has that X-factor, with the ball … and with the bat as well. He’s incredibly skilful, and the way he absorbs pressure for a young man, we’re very fortunate to have him in our team,” Shane Watson had quoted.

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