Proteas spinner reported for suspect action on ODI debut as Zampa punished for swearing
By Tom Decent
South Africa have sidelined spinner Prenelan Subrayen for the remainder of the ODI series against Australia after he was reported for a suspect bowling action in Cairns.
Subrayen, who returned 1-46 in South Africa’s opening ODI win over Australia, was cited by match officials over concerns with the legality of his action.
“The match officials’ report specified concerns about the legality of Subrayen’s action,” the International Cricket Council said in a statement.
The 31-year-old has two weeks to undergo an independent assessment at an ICC-accredited laboratory but can continue bowling until the results are known.
South Africa have confirmed Subrayen’s action will be tested at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane after the ODI series, which ends on Sunday.
With the second ODI in Mackay on Friday, South Africa have opted to rest him to avoid further scrutiny.
South African spinner Prenelan Subrayen. Credit: Getty Images
“He’s available to play until he gets tested,” South African coach Shukri Conrad told cricket.com.au on Thursday.
“We just felt, together with ‘Subs’ … [it was best to] get him away out of the public eye [and] just make sure that he’s ok. That’s why his name’s not going to be on the team sheet tomorrow.”
Subrayen’s action has been questioned before. Cricket South Africa deemed it illegal in 2012 before he was cleared in 2013 after adjustments.
He was also reported in 2014 during the Champions League T20 in India and again in 2015.
“He’s obviously gone through this process before, many years ago,” Conrad said.
Prenelan Subrayen bowls against Australia on Tuesday night in Cairns.Credit: Fox
“It’s never easy and he’s waited this long to make his debut. We [will] obviously rally around him and make sure that he’s in the best space ... he’s going ok.”
Subrayen took the key wicket of Travis Head, which triggered a major collapse and saw Australia lose 6-29 on their way to a surprise 98-run loss.
South Africa’s other frontline spinner, Keshav Maharaj, took figures of 5-33 in one of the great ODI spells on Australian shores.
Meanwhile, Adam Zampa has been reprimanded for the “use of an audible obscenity” during an incident that took place in the 40th over of South Africa’s innings.
Zampa was heard using “inappropriate language” during his bowling spell.
Frustrated after an overthrow, he was heard yelling “f--- me Greeny” in the direction of teammate Cameron Green.
Zampa, who finished with 1-58 from 10 overs, was handed a demerit point but avoided suspension or a fine. It was his first offence in two years, and with the leg-spinner admitting guilt, no hearing was required.
Zampa may feel hard done, given England star Harry Brook escaped a suspension for yelling out “f---ing hell, Washi, get on with it,” at Indian batter Washington Sundar during his side’s recent Test series.
Australia will be eager to bounce back in the second of three ODI matches after slumping to their heaviest defeat on home soil - in terms of runs – since 1991.
Australia will attempt to square the three-match series in Mackay, having now lost eight of their past 14 home ODIs against South Africa.