Suspect bowling Actions

[filbell]

In our league at present we have a number of bowlers whose action is best described as suspect!
We feel that it is a lack of coaching and cricket education and not trying to gain a deliberate unfair advantage.
Of course I am aware of what Law 24 says but of course it has being confused by the international 15% guidelines.
Does anybody have either league guidelines or what to do on the day so at least we adopt a consistent approach to all the players involved?
Peoples views and advice needed please.

[wisden17]

Well, it's hardly been confused by the 15% guidelines. The law is quite clear, and if you think it is being breached you should enforce it.

The guidelines only apply to ICC matches, and are there because of the disparity between the human-eye and what cameras pick up (at least that is my understanding). The 15% is only applied in video testing suites, the method adopted in international matches is that the action is reported and then testing is undertaken on the action with the aid of video-analysis.

[sclasec]

It is unrealistic to say that the "guidelines" do not cause confusion. Their very existence means that everyone knows that there is a standard of sorts in existence, and players, coaches, etc are inclined to expect it to be implemented at the recreational level.

This creates a real burden for umpires and administrators. The former know that if they "call" a bowler, their judgement is likely to be challenged. The latter will wish to support the umpires, but face the possibility that in the end the practice in the 1st class game will spread and undermine their best intentions (Remember how 4 feet became 5 feet!!).

And what about those Leagues where 1st class players participate in the Recreational game? There are bowlers around whose actions look "iffy", but who have been playing all week for County 1st/2nd XIs. Are League umpires to "call" them?

This is a subject that needs attention by the ECB - who have been ducking it for far too long.

[lofters]

In my County, there is no clear course of action that has been adopted.... I'd go with:

1. Initially not call/signal No Ball onfield for a doubtful delivery, merely consult with colleague. If there's no doubt, then after consultation advise the Captain to take the miscreant off forthwith 'or he'll be no-balled'.
2. In both cases, with colleagues support, after the game tell the Captain that the case is to be referred through the governing League/Competition/Umps authority.

In the past, the County Board have then arranged for the player to be video examined and corrective measures instigated, if needed.

I know this doesn't fall into line fully with the Laws, but generally we are in the Recreational game and an element of common sense is appropriate.

Yes, the ECB do need to come up with a workable method to cover 'throwing'.

As it's such a contentious and complicated issue throughout the game as a whole, I doubt they'd be able to find any volunteers to tackle it though.

[gooders]

O.K. so what would you do if you suspect a straightening of the arm, and you also have the batting side chirping about the bowler "throwing" it, but having spoken to the fielding captain, he tells you that his bowler has been examined, filmed and cleared of throwing by his County Board?
I know what I did, but would be interested to hear others' opinions.

[missingleg]

I would say, regardless of what is said to you, you can still only judge each individual delivery. If you are sure he's straightened his arm then no-ball him. If you're not sure then don't. It's easier at our level because we don't have this 15 degree rubbish.

The captain can say that he's been filmed and is cleared but you're still there to judge every single ball, no two of which are ever the same.

That said, I've only ever been asked about a bowler's action once by batting team informally. I would hate to be put in a position of judging the legality of a marginally legal/illegal action.