Sri Lanka`s Senanayake reported over bowling action

Sri Lanka off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action, the International Cricket Council confirmed.

London: Sri Lanka off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Monday.

Senanayake, who has twice recorded career-best figures in the ongoing Royal London series against England, was reported by umpires Ian Gould and Marais Erasmus at the end of his team`s victory at Lord`s on Saturday. He will be free to bowl again in the fifth and final Royal London one-day international series at Edgbaston on Tuesday, but will face further scrutiny under ICC regulations. "The umpires` report cited concerns over a number of deliveries that were considered to be suspect," an ICC press release read. "Senanayake`s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to bowlers reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. "The off-spinner is required to undergo testing within 21 days, and, during this period, he is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known." Sri Lanka Cricket chiefs were shocked by the accusations and released a statement which refused to condemn their player. "Since Sachithra had over the past two years played many bilateral/ICC tournaments and four earlier games in the current tour without any hint of suspicion, this comes as a surprise to SLC," the statement read. "As, however, the ICC has a procedure in place for situations such as this, SLC has no option but to adhere to the laid-down process." England, who have twice led the one-day Royal London international series, face a decider on Tuesday after Sri Lanka held their nerve to inch a seven-run win at Lord`s. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, named their squad on Monday afternoon for the two-Test series against England in June, from which Senanayake is omitted. The 29-year-old made his Test debut, and won his solitary cap to date, five months ago. But Sri Lanka have preferred his fellow off-spinner Dilruwan Perera to partner left-arm orthodox Rangana Herath in a 15-man squad. Sri Lanka (v England for two Tests In June): Angelo Mathews (Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (Vice Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Prasanna Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Nuwan Pradeep, Chanaka Welagedara, Dhammika Prasad