New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya reported for suspect bowling action

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Sri Lanka bowler Akila Dananjaya have both been reported with a suspect bowling action following the first Test.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Sri Lanka bowler Akila Dananjaya have both been reported with a suspect bowling action following the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle from 14-18 August 2019.

The match officials’ report, which was handed over to the management of both teams, cited concerns about the legality of the bowling actions of both players.

Williamson and Dananjaya will now undergo testing within 14 days from the reporting date (18 August), and, during this period both will be permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known.

Not the first time for Akila Dananjaya

This isn’t the first time when Dananjaya got reported. Last year in November, his bowling action was found suspect after the opening Test versus England in Galle itself. During that time, he was required to undergo testing within 14 days and was permitted to continue bowling.

He didn’t even find a place in the Lanka’s squad for the World Cup in England and Wales. Dananjaya was one of his team’s star performers in the first game versus the Black Caps. He picked up six wickets in the match, which included a fifer in the first innings.

Dananjaya was expected to take over the mantle of the Sri Lankan spin attack after the legendary Rangana Herath retired from all forms of cricket. But now with frequent troubles with his action, he has to work hard in order to feature consistently in the national team.

On the other hand, Williamson’s woes increased. Not only did the Kiwis lose by six wickets to concede a 1-0 lead, he now has to sort his issues with his action as well. He bowled only three overs in Lanka’s second innings on a pitch, which was giving assistance to the spinners.

Even in the batting department, Kane, who was the Player of the Tournament in the World Cup, got out to the spinners on both occasions in the first contest. In the first innings, he bagged a two-ball duck, followed by a painful 25-ball four in the second innings.

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