St Johns (Antigua), May 13: The pressure to break the 100 mph bowling barrier is causing some bowlers to fall out of line with cricket's throwing rules, West Indies Cricket Board president Wes Hall said today. Hall's comments came after the international Cricket Council yesterday ordered West Indies fast bowler Jermaine Lawson, 21, to spend six weeks correcting his bowling action. Two ICC umpires reviewed television footage during Lawson's seven wickets for 78 on the first day of the test against Australia. Under the rules, the ball must be bowled not thrown, and the player's elbow must not be straightened once at shoulder level.
"It is quite possible with all the hype surrounding 100 mph youngsters will strive and go beyond the bounds", said Hall, a fastbowler who set records between 1958 and 1969. "We need to look at that". Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar, the first bowler timed at over 100 mph during a tournament last year, and Australia's Brett lee, whose fastest ball in the test here was 97.1 mph, have both been reported by umpires for suspected bowling infractions during their careers.

Following the report on Lawson, Hall speculated that any bowler who tops 90 mph "will be under strict scrutiny." He also called on umpires to subscribe to "a measure of consistency."

The WICB has appointed a group of bowling advisers to work with Lawson over the next few weeks, after which his action will be reviewed. During the six weeks, he will be allowed to play.

Bureau Report