Sri Lankan left-arm seamer Ruchira Perera is under the spotlight after televsion cameras highlighted what appeared to be a suspect bowling action. Perera took 3 for 48 as England were forced to follow-on in the first Test at Lord's, but his performance was overshadowed by accusations that he throws the ball.

Channel 4 television showed a number of replays of his action, leaving commentator Dermot Reeve in no doubt. "I think that's a throw," he said. "I'm going to put my head on the block." Fellow commentator Michael Atherton also expressed surprise that Perera had reached Test level without any questions over his action.

There was no support for Perera from the radio commentators either. The BBC's Jonathan Agnew expressed disquiet and asked colleague Roshan Mahanama if Perera's action had ever been scrutinised. Mahanama said it had, but he had never been no-balled.

Although England have not made any official complaint, it is unlikely that the matter will overlooked by match referee Gundappa Viswanath. But when asked on Saturday whether he would be reporting Perera to the International Cricket Council, Viswanath refused to comment. If the matter is reported, the Sri Lankans will be advised and have 24 hours to decide whether his action needs remedial treatment.

The wording of the law on throwing was changed last year. It now says a ball is fairly delivered "if once the level of the bowler's arm has reached the shoulder in the delivery swing the elbow joint is not straightened partially or completely until the ball has left the hand."

If Perera is deemed to have a suspect action - and the television replays seem fairly conclusive that he does - the most remarkable thing about the whole affair will be that he reached Test level before the problem was identified.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd