Is Proteas Spinner Prenelan Subrayen's Bowling Action Now Legal?
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Synopsis
Prenelan Subrayen, South African spinner, has been cleared by the ICC regarding his bowling action, allowing him to continue his international career. This marks a significant moment for the 31-year-old, who has faced scrutiny over his bowling style multiple times in his career. What does this mean for the Proteas and Subrayen's future?
Key Takeaways
- Prenelan Subrayen cleared by the ICC to continue bowling.
- His action was within the 15-degree tolerance level.
- Subrayen has faced scrutiny multiple times in his career.
- Illegal bowling actions are defined by excessive elbow extension.
- He has represented the Proteas in two international matches this year.
New Delhi, Sep 7 (NationPress) South Africa's spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who faced allegations of an illegal bowling action last month, has received clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC), allowing the 31-year-old to continue his bowling career in international cricket.
Subrayen was flagged for a suspected illegal bowling action during his first ODI against Australia in Cairns on August 19, leading to him being rested for the last two ODIs against Australia.
He later underwent a thorough independent bowling assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane on August 26, which confirmed that his elbow extension for all deliveries remained within the permissible 15-degree tolerance set by the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations.
This isn't the first instance of scrutiny regarding Subrayen's bowling action. In December 2012, Cricket South Africa (CSA) placed him in a rehabilitation program after two independent evaluations deemed his action illegal. After undergoing remedial work and re-evaluation, he was cleared to bowl again in January 2013.
His bowling action came under scrutiny again in September 2014 during the Champions League T20 in India and was reported during a domestic T20 match in November 2015. Assessments revealed that all his deliveries surpassed the 15-degree tolerance, resulting in his suspension from bowling.
Subrayen failed a re-assessment in January 2016 but eventually regained clearance to bowl in March 2016 after successful tests at CSA’s High Performance Centre.
An illegal bowling action is characterized by a player throwing the ball rather than bowling it. The ICC defines this as an elbow extension exceeding 15 degrees during the action of bowling.
International match officials utilize their experience and keen judgment to identify any potential illegal bowling actions, reporting their observations accordingly.
To date, Subrayen has participated in two international matches for the Proteas, both occurring this year—a Test match in Zimbabwe and an ODI in Australia.
Point of View
We stand firmly with our athletes and their journeys. Prenelan Subrayen's recent clearance by the ICC is a testament to the rigorous standards of cricket. It's imperative that players like Subrayen are given the opportunity to refine their skills and represent their nation, making their struggles and victories a part of our national narrative.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Prenelan Subrayen reported for?
Prenelan Subrayen was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action during an ODI against Australia.
What did the ICC conclude about his bowling action?
The ICC determined that Subrayen's elbow extension was within the 15-degree tolerance permitted, deeming his bowling action legal.
Has Subrayen faced issues with his bowling action before?
Yes, Subrayen has been scrutinized for his bowling action multiple times, including in 2012 and 2014.
What defines an illegal bowling action according to the ICC?
An illegal bowling action is when a player's elbow extends more than 15 degrees during the bowling motion.
How many international matches has Subrayen played?
Subrayen has played two international matches for the Proteas this year.
