Oman bowler probed over suspect action

Omani Syed Amir Ali faces tests after using a suspected illegal bowling action during a 2011 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in South Africa, the organisers said on Monday.

The umpires report of a Group A match against Scotland in Johannesburg last Saturday said some deliveries from the off spinner were bowled with a "suspect action".

Ali can continue to play in the final qualifying tournament for the World Cup in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka while the Oman Cricket Board investigates. The board must probe the action of the bowler and organise any remedial action required, an International Cricket Council (ICC) statement released here said.

Although Oman have lost their four Group A matches, they could sneak into the Super Eights second phase on net run rate if they defeat Uganda on Wednesday and Namibia lose to leaders Ireland.

United Arab Emirates all-rounder Arshad Ali has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC code of conduct during a two-wicket victory over the Netherlands last Saturday.

An umpire claimed Ali pointed to his shoulder in an attempt to be declared not out when the Dutch unsuccessfully appealed for a caught behind decision in Potchefstroom.

UAE lie third on the Group B standings and are assured of a place in the next phase with the top four teams in the Super Eights securing places at the quadrennial World Cup. JOHANNESBURG, AFP