LAHORE: Former Test cricketer and national chief selector Iqbal Qasim has criticised Michael Holding, the celebrated West Indies fast bowler, for challenging the legality of ‘doosra’ delivery.
“First of all, Holding cannot see with naked eye whether wrist or elbow is being used to bowl ‘doosra’. And secondly, it is not only Pakistan’s off-spinners but also Sri Lankans and Indians who have been bowling this delivery for many years. And these spin bowlers are playing very effective role for their teams with no complaint coming from any quarter,” said Iqbal while talking to Dawn.
Iqbal added Sri Lankan spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, bowled ‘doosra’ without changing their action, most probably, with the help of fingers and wrist.
“I am not defending ‘doosra’ but only want that it would have been better, had Holding suggested the ICC to check the legality of the delivery if he has some doubts,” he said.
He reckoned the International Cricket Council (ICC) was the best judge to declare ‘doosra’ legal or illegal delivery, adding Holding could only suggest the game’s governing body to take necessary steps to decide the status of the delivery.
According to a recent media report, Holding said: “My belief regarding the ‘doosra’ is very clear, I don’t think it can be bowled legally.
“I find it difficult to believe any human being can bowl that delivery, with his wrist alone, the elbow has to be used for the power. It’s a matter of how much elbow power the bowler uses and the ICC obviously believes some bowlers use less than the 15 degrees and others don’t, as only some bowlers actions are questioned and reported.”
The statement from Holding comes at a time when Pakistan’s spin trio of Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez have shared eight wickets among them in the first two ODIs of the ongoing five-match series against the West Indies.
Iqbal further said Holding should not raise the point at this stage as Pakistan bowlers were in the Caribbean as guests.
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