LONDON, May 20: Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore backed seamer Ruchira Perera on Sunday following media accusations of throwing during the first Test against England.

“He’s played around the world and he’s never had this before,” Whatmore said. “He’s had ever encouragement from his team mates and the coaching staff and management. We should let the umpires do their job and not do it for them.”

Several English newspapers and television broadcaster Channel Four have claimed that Perera’s action is illegal.

The umpires have the power to stop a bowler if they feel he is throwing the ball — straightening the arm during his action — or they can report the player to the match referee.

Should they do so, the Sri Lankan board would be encouraged by the International Cricket Council, the sport’s governing body, to work on the bowler’s action to try and solve the problem.

A player reported three times within 12 months can face a ban from the game.

“We are disappointed that something like this has happened,” Sri Lanka team manager Chandra Schaffter said. “We felt it was a little unfair.”

The ICC said Sunday that the 25-year-old Perera, in his seventh Test and yet to establish himself in the side, had not been reported to the referee by the umpires.—Reuters