ICC clears Akila Dananjaya's remodelled bowling action; set to play in South Africa ODIs

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Monday, announced Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya is allowed to bowl again in international cricket. The ICC found the off-spinner’s bowling action legal after the 25-year old underwent remedial work and reassessment.

Dananjaya was suspended from bowling in international cricket in December after he failed an independent biomechanics assessment in Brisbane. Following the assessment, he was suspended from bowling in international cricket. Dananjaya had been reported for a suspect action following Sri Lanka‘s first Test against England in November.

However, his remodelled bowling action was assessed in Chennai on February 2 and got the green light from the governing body of the game.

The ICC confirmed that the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations. The match officials, however, can still report Dananjaya if they found his action questionable.

Dananjaya returns

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, did not wait long to recall their spinner as soon as the suspension ended, adding him to the squad for the upcoming five ODIs against South Africa. Getting Akila Dananjaya in the squad just ahead of the World Cup will be a big boost for the Islanders. The off-spinner was one of their most impressive performers in an otherwise dismal last year.  He picked up 28 ODI wickets at an average of 23 in 2018, and a further 27 wickets at 24.25 in Tests.

Dananjaya is likely to spearhead the spin attack against the Proteas in the series which begins in Johannesburg on March 3. Sri Lanka’s spin attack includes Kamindu Mendis, the ambidextrous spinner, and Lakshan Sandakan, the wrist spinner.

Uncapped Mendis bowls off-breaks as well as slow left-arm orthodox. The Islanders, however, have left out Dinesh Chandimal from the ODIs too. Chandimal was not named in the Test squad either.  Veteran pacer Lasith Malinga will lead the side.

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