Washington not a pelter say WICB

ST JOHN’S: Dwight Washington has never reported to the West Indies Cricket Board or the International Cricket Council for his bowling action. The WICB have categorically denied media reports suggesting that Washington has been reported to the ICC for his bowling action and omitted from the West Indies team for the opening Test against England, starting at Sabina Park on Thursday, as a result. “The facts are that the WICB have implemented a proactive system for early detection of flawed bowling actions,” remarked Roger Brathwaite, chief executive of the WICB, in a news release yesterday. “The ICC is not involved, but is very supportive of this proactive approach adopted by the WICB.

This programme is designed to take place outside of media scrutiny with a view to ensuring that the system the WICB has in place is effective and addresses any concerns before players emerge onto the international stage.” Brathwaite described the questions over Washington’s actions as regrettable and explained the matter had been leaked erroneously into the media. “Washington has been subjected to unfair and unjustified media scrutiny,” he added. “To facilitate the early detection programme, the WICB have in place a Bowling Review Committee under the chairmanship of former West Indies player, Bryan Davis. “Umpires have been asked to advise the WICB of any concerns that they might have about players so that they can be reviewed and dealt with in the early stages. “From time to time, suggestions for players to be reviewed are made by other regional cricket experts. In this regard, video footage of a few young players, including Washington, was recently reviewed.”

Brathwaite noted the WICB’s Bowling Review Committee has advised that it has no concerns about Washington’s action. Gus Logie, coach of the senior West Indies team, has also stated that this was not a consideration in Washington’s omission from the team that will meet England in the First Test. Meanwhile, Brendan McClements, the ICC’s general manager for corporate affairs, has also confirmed publicly that there has been no report to the ICC on the matter and is unaware of Washington playing in any matches that would allow him to be reported to the sport’s world governing body.