Morgan sympathises for Narine ahead of the World T20 clash against the Windies

England skipper Eoin Morgan has stated that he sympathises for West Indies spinner Sunil Narine after the number one-ranked bowler pulled out of the World T20 following his suspension for a suspect action. Narine pulled out of the squad saying he was not ready to return to the international fold after work to remodel his action.

Narine’s absence from the World T20 is a relief for England who play the West Indies in their opening match on Wednesday in Mumbai. tThe England skipper said he felt for his former Kolkata Knight Riders team-mate.

“I think it’s a very touchy subject. I know Sunil. I’m not pleased to see what he’s going through. I wouldn’t wish it upon anybody. He’s bowled the same way since he was probably 15 or 16 years old. The fact he’s got to this stage in his career and it’s only being looked at now is probably disappointing from his point of view. But there are set rules in place that are being applied,” Morgan told reporters in Mumbai.

The 27-year-old Narine was suspended in November after being cited during a match in Sri Lanka for a suspect bowling action, the second time he has been reported for an illegal action. Despite not playing since November, Narine is still way ahead of his nearest rivals in the T20 international rankings. Narine was a key member of the West Indies team which won the 2012 World T20, taking three wickets for just nine runs in the final against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

England and West Indies will begin their World T20 campaign at the Wankhede Stadium tomorrow. Both teams are packed with explosive batsmen and the team that bowls better may have an upper hand in this eagerly awaited contest.