Ellis bowling action ‘within the tolerance levels of the system’
A HUGE weight has been lifted off Andrew Ellis’ shoulders after his bowling action was ruled legal by an expert panel.
A ‘‘fixed flexion deformity’’ in his bowling arm means the 32-year-old Canterbury all-rounder is unable to straighten the arm while resting.
It does straighten during the delivery action, as studies have shown happens to all bowlers, and is ‘‘within the tolerance levels of the system’’, according to New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
It was never actually ruled illegal but Ellis has suffered, since before his first-class career began as a 20-year-old, from rumours, questions and abuse over his unusual action.
After receiving an official ‘‘mention’’ by an umpire in a Twenty20 match in November, Ellis and Canterbury coach Gary Stead voluntarily flew to Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre, an ICC-accredited testing centre for suspected illegal bowling actions, in Brisbane.
The results are back from the tests and Ellis is clear.
It’s been a stressful time for the all-rounder, who has played 15 ODIs and five Twenty20 internationals for New Zealand.
‘‘But to have it all cleared and sorted is pleasing,’’ he said.
‘‘I always knew I had something different with my arm, you can see it, but it’s nice to have it in writing to say my action is legal.’’
The irony of the fixed flexion deformity is that it works against him rather than for him and offers Ellis no advantage.
A Doubtful Bowling Procedure group was happy with the evidence provided which included a report from an orthopaedic specialist.
The group included an umpire, a fast bowling specialist and a legal representative, and received advice from a biomechanist.
NZC operations head Lindsay Crocker said Ellis was a unique case.
Though he was never suspended, this marks the end of a long road for Ellis. ‘‘It’s been a huge insecurity right through my career,’’ he said. ‘‘I’ve copped a lot of flak from various opposition players and some coaches.
‘‘I always knew I had something different but there was no process so I couldn’t quantitatively tell people.’’
His action has never changed either. So why, after 12-years as a professional cricketer which include 20 games for New Zealand, was he now under the spotlight?
‘‘There has been greater scrutiny, worldwide, of doubtful actions,’’ Crocker said.
‘‘There’s been a drive to highlight potentially illegal or doubtful actions to clean that part of the game up.’’
New Zealand
Cricket
have asked umpires and umpire observers to identify young players with potentially troubled actions so problems can be dealt with earlier.
Rather than being upset with New Zealand Cricket at having to go through the process now, Ellis is applauding them for acting and taking a more front-foot approach.
‘‘New Zealand Cricket and the players’ association have been really good right through this.
‘‘I hope that by looking more closely at this now, it might educate a few people out there. Just because your action looks potentially suspect . . . doesn’t mean it’s illegal.’’