Harbhajan cleared to keep bowling

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The International Cricket Council has cleared Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh to continue to bowl in internationals.

Harbhajan was reported by officials during the series against Pakistan and an analysis of his action was made by independent bio-mechanist Marc Portus.

Portus did identify differences between the player's action against Pakistan and that in a prior approved analysis.

But a "definitive conclusion" could not be reached, which means that Harbhajan is free to keep bowling.

"There is no doubt that the action analysed in the University of Western Australia showed Harbhajan bowling with an action that is in accordance with the regulations," said ICC general manager David Richardson.

"The analysis of the action used during the Pakistan match identifies some differences including the position of the feet and the speed of the delivery.

This cricket-friendly decision would not only lift the morale of Harbhajan, but also the other bowlers around the globe SK Nair Secretary, Indian cricket board

"However, Mr Portus was unable to reach a definitive conclusion on the action because of the quality of the footage and the camera angles used.

"On this basis the ICC has advised that Harbhajan is able to bowl in international cricket provided his action is consistent with that in the University of Western Australia laboratory.

"Should his action deteriorate, it is possible that the match referees would again report him and this would raise the prospect of further bio-mechanical analysis."

The news is likely to free Harbhajan to join up with English county side Surrey for much of the rest of the season.

India's cricket board of control welcomed the ICC decision, with secretary SK Nair saying: "BCCI firmly believes that no bowler is licensed to throw.

"But at the same time, if a prima facie case cannot be established against the bowler, he should be allowed to play with a free mind.

"This cricket-friendly decision would not only lift the morale of Harbhajan, but also the other bowlers around the globe."