KINGSTON, April 24: Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody claims that unorthodox fast bowler Lasith Malinga has one of the straightest arms in cricket and said it's ridiculous to suggest the 23-year-old's action is illegal.

Moody has even challenged those who doubt the legality of Malinga's slingy, round-arm action, which he developed when playing beach cricket with a soft ball, to test it out.

“He is so far from being someone who throws the ball it is ridiculous,” Moody told Sky Sports.

“Bowling from the position he bowls from, it is virtually impossible to flex the elbow. In terms of most fast bowlers in the world I think he would have the least amount of flexion.

“We welcome anyone to analyse it. I'd be interested to see if he has one percent flexion, let alone the 15 that is allowed.”

Malinga, nicknamed ‘The Slinger’ for his distinctive action, has missed the last three World Cup matches because of an ankle injury but reclaimed his place in the side for Tuesday's semi-final against New Zealand.

Moody has steadfastly refused to get Malinga to alter an action that has given him 15 wickets in six matches, including a hat-trick against South Africa.

“No, definitely not,” Moody said when asked if he'd tried to change Malinga's action.

“We have monitored it basically. He was brought up doing that on the beaches.

“If we suddenly went to the MCC coaching manual and tried to get him over the top and side on, he'd be playing third grade in some competition in Sri Lanka and not being an impact bowler in international cricket.”—AFP