BBC SPORT | CRICKET | Lee chucking charge lifted

Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has been cleared of a suspect bowling action by the International Cricket Council, the Australian Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday.

ACB chairman Malcolm Speed said the ICC's illegal deliveries panel had given the all-clear to Lee's action after a 75-minute conference call on Tuesday.

The panel of former international cricketers - including Imran Khan, Richard Hadlee and Michael Holding - had earlier viewed real time and slow motion video of his bowling action and ruled it was legal.

"The panel determined Lee did not have a problem with his bowling action," said Speed.

Brett Lee
Lee destroyed New Zealand in the spring
The decision means the 23-year-old paceman does not need to undergo remedial coaching ahead of this month's three-match limited overs international series against South Africa in Australia.

The panel was chaired by India's Sunil Gavaskar, and included a representative from all 10 Test-playing countries and an umpire.

Lillee support

Lee participated in the international conference call and Australian bowling great Dennis Lillee also gave evidence in his defence.

Lee's action was investigated following a report on him during Australia's Test and one-day series in New Zealand earlier this year.

The panel determined Lee did not have a problem with his bowling action

Malcolm Speed

The two Indian umpires who officiated in the series - Arani Jayaprakash and Srinivas Venkataraghavan - made their report to match referee Mike Denness, who forwarded his concerns to the ICC.

Speed said it was still a possibility the same process could occur again.

World's fastest

"That's something which is an occupational hazard of being the world's fastest bowler," Speed said.

Lee, the International Young Cricketer of the Year, said the most important thing now was to just get out and take more wickets.

He added he had fully recovered from ankle surgery in May and was ready to bowl at full pace against the South Africans.

Lee topped Australia's bowling averages during the Test series aainst New Zealand, which Australia won 3-0. He took 18 wickets at an average of 17.44.

The New South Wales fast bowler had an outstanding debut Test season last summer, capturing 31 wickets at an average of 16.06.


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