Date-stamped : 28 Dec95 - 22:31 Thursday 28, December 1995 Murali`s career in shambles Bernie Wijesekera, reporting from Australia. MCG, Wednesday, Muttiah Muralideran`s career has been put in shambles on the first day of the boxing day second test between Sri Lanka and Australia, when he was called `no` on seven occa- sions by umpire Hair for throwing. In the second session after lunch `Murali` was called by Hair. But he bowled two from the Members stand before American umpire Steve Dunne`s and had no problems. The ICC last night approved Hair`s decision of calling `Murali` for throwing and wanted the Sri Lanka Cricket Board to take appropriate measures to save the bowler`s career which was in jeopardy as a result of being called by umpire Hair for throw- ing. In a release it also adds that the ICC was aware for some time of speculation as to the legitimacy of the bowler`s action and has taken the following steps. In 1993 in the series between Sri Lan- ka and India match referee Peter Burge has spoken privately about the action of the bowler to the BCCSL administrators to relay doubts arising after watching the player bowl against India. In 1995 series against New Zealand early this year match referee Barry Jarman held similar views about `Muralis` action. Jarman arranged for a slow motion action of the bowler on a videotape. This tape was forwarded through the ICC to the BCCSL. This tape was watched by a senior umpire in the international panel, crick- et manager, chairman of selectors and unofficial of the BCCSL who had a close look at the videotape, but found no extra-ordinary lapse in the bowler`s action. A statement signed by the chairman of the ICC Sir Clyde Walcott and chief executive David Richards (joint signatories) had ex- pressed their misgivings of `Murali`s action. It also states that three international umpires and two match referees have brought to their notice of the bowler`s action. Dave Whatmore the tour cricket manager defended Muralideran`s ac- tion. `Murali` is unable to straighten his elbow for a start. Probably there is some deformity, Whatmore said. But surprisingly neutral umpire Steve Dunne at no stage of this game called `Murali` who bowled throughout the first day`s play and continued to bowl today (Dec. 27) showed any concern or called the bowler for throwing. Umpire Hair has acted on Law 24 it states. For a delivery to be fair, the ball must be bowled, but not thrown. If either umpire is not satisfied with the absolute fair- ness of a delivery in this respect he shall call and signal `no ball` instantly upon delivery. Source :: Lake House/Lanka Internet Services Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)