Umpires to put Willerton’s bowling action under microscope

TWO of Geelong’s top umpires have been tasked with monitoring the action of East Belmont quick Alex Willerton.

Trevor Anderson and Dean Wilson will officiate the Lions’ clash against Leopold follow- ing a request from GCA president Barry McFarlane.

The pair will determine if Willerton, in his maiden season at Winter Reserve after crossing from English county club Lincolnshire, has a suspect action.

On Monday, footage of Willerton bowling at rapid pace hit the GCA’s Facebook page, drawing an outcry from fellow cricketers who claimed he bowled with an illegal action.

“It’s got to be pointed out that no official has put in a complaint about his action, and unless that happens, there’s nothing we can do about it,” McFarlane said.

“The umpires are there to determine fair or unfair actions, and if they aren’t prepared to say, ‘We think we’ve got a problem’, then we can’t follow the process through Cricket Victoria.

“But there hasn’t been anything formal. It’s only what individuals across the community who have expressed their views that he throws it after watching the video. And there’s been no official complaints put in by any of the clubs, either.”

McFarlane confirmed Anderson and Wilson had the power to no-ball Willerton, if they deemed his action illegal.

“If they believe the person’s action is illegitimate, they can call him,” McFarlane said.

“But the rule states that they have to be absolutely certain he throws it. If they’ve got a doubt, they can put it in the report and say, ‘We think there’s doubt with this bowler’s action’ and then we would follow the process after that.”