It is a terrible situation for any bowler.

And Alan Igglesden sympathises with Shoaib Akhtar over the latest doubts about his action.

"Being suspected of throwing is one of the worst things that can happen to a bowler because it undermines the whole basis of what you do," he says.

But the former Kent star accepts the best way to maintain legitimate fast bowling as one of the game's great spectacles is to take a tough stance on "chucking".

"It would be a shame if really fast bowling was stigmatised by this controversy, but the ICC has to get it right," he said.

"It owes it to the likes of Pollock and McGrath, world-class players who have never had their actions questioned."

Akhtar was reported for throwing for the second time in 16 months during Pakistan's current tour of New Zealand.

Australia's Brett Lee has also had doubts cast on his action, placing question marks over the talents of two of the world's fastest bowlers.

'Scrutiny'

Igglesden told BBC Sport Online: "I don't know them personally, but as a bowler I'm sure they wouldn't throw intentionally.

"The scrutiny that players at the highest level are under these days makes it virtually impossible to get away with, so why risk it?

"I've not seem much of Akhtar but I have seen a fair bit of Lee, and I have to say his action looks fine to me.