Chris Green's IPL 2020 dream stays alive after his bowling action gets clearance

Green was picked by KKR in IPL auction for INR 20 lakhs.

Green's bowling action was deemed illegal | AFP

South African-born Australian spinner Chris Green has been cleared to resume bowling after his action was found to be legal following biomechanical testing in Brisbane.

Earlier this year in January, Green was reported by umpires after a Big Bash League 2019-20 match between the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars for his suspected off-spin and faster ball deliveries, and later the Thunder spinner has been banned from bowling from all competition by Cricket Australia for 90 days after his bowling action was found illegal.

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The ban forced Green to miss the majority of last BBL 2019-20 and it has also put dark clouds over his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) deal with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

However, the IPL 2020 has been suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 and now the 26-year-old spinner would be able to live his IPL dream if the tournament happens later this year after being cleared to bowling at all competitive cricket.

The KKR brought Green for INR 20 lakh in the auction in December last year following his impressive stints at the Caribbean Premier League and BBL last season, taking 13 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.44 for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, but played only seven games in the BBL 2019-20.

Well, the BBL franchise has on Wednesday (June 24) confirmed that Green’s all deliveries were found to come "significantly below" the permitted 15 degrees of elbow extension after he was re-tested on June 16 at the National Cricket Centre under the supervision of Dr. Luke Kelly.

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The all-rounder, being in peak physical condition, is now eager to return to action after being cleared to bowl again. Green also thanked his BBL side Thunder, a franchise with he signed a longest 6-year deal in the BBL history and New South Wales coaches for their support.

Green said: “To have to sit on the sidelines and not be able to play or help the team was really difficult. But at the same time, it was also a big factor of my motivation to get back to playing as quickly as possible. I am very grateful for all the support from the Thunder and Cricket NSW coaches.”

He signed off by saying, “I feel like I'm in peak physical condition, my batting is going really well and now I'm really excited to get back bowling competitively again. I just can't wait to play again. I'm so excited to get back out on the field and repay the faith that has been shown in me the best way I know how - by putting out my best effort.”

(With Cricbuzz Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 24 Jun, 2020

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