Ajmal reported for suspect action

Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal signals the third umpire review for an unsuccessful wicket of Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath (not pictured) during the fourth day of their first test cricket match in Galle August 9, 2014. Photo: Reuters

Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal has been reported for a suspect bowling action, following the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, reports ESPNcricinfo.

As per ICC regulations, Ajmal will have to undergo testing of his action within 21 days, but can continue bowling until the results of the test are known.

According to the ICC, the match officials' report cited concerns over a number of deliveries that were considered to be suspect and concluded that the bowler's action needed to be tested. The report has been handed over to Pakistan's team manager, Moin Khan.

Moin was confident Ajmal would be cleared. "We were informed by the ICC and it came up as a surprise," he said. "But it's just a procedure as he is going to undergo a re-test on his action and we are sure there he will be cleared and will be available thereafter. Meanwhile we will play him in the next Test. There is no panic at all, he is still our best bowler and we all support him."

This is the second instance of Ajmal being reported for a suspect action. In April 2009, the bowler was reported for his action while bowling the doosra, and was cleared the following month.

Ajmal was at the center of a controversy in May this year when England's Stuart Broad appeared to question the legality of the spin bowler's action. According to Ajmal, a tweet from Broad had seemed to suggest that the action he used on the field was different from the one he employed while testing. Following the tweet, Ajmal sought an explanation from Broad and the ECB.