LONDON, Dec 20: India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action after concerns were raised over his 'doosra' delivery, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday.

Among those making the report was former England batsman Chris Broad, now a match referee, who earlier this year raised similar concerns about Sri Lanka's former Test wicket world record-holder Muttiah Muralitharan's 'doosra', a delivery which turns away from a right-handed batsman - the opposite of an orthodox off-spin ball.

In a statement, the ICC said the report had been made following the conclusion of Monday's second Test between Bangladesh and India in Chittagong where Harbahajan took two for 19 in the hosts's second innings during an innings and 83 run-win that saw India clinch the series 2-0.

As well as Broad, the ICC said the report was made by on-field umpires, Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and Mark Benson (England) and the TV umpire, Mahbubur Rahman (Bangladesh).

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said: "Having closely reviewed the action Harbhajan Singh employs during this delivery, the match officials decided to report the bowler to the ICC and, in line with the protocol, notified the India team management of this course of action."

HE ADDED: "Harbhajan Singh will now work with an expert team over the next six weeks to address these concerns. He can continue to play international cricket and cannot be reported again during this period."

Although the ICC ultimately has the power to ban from international cricket any bowler it considers has an illegal action, its rules for dealing with such cases are currently in limbo. -AFP