LAHORE: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan has answered questions about off-spinner Usman Tariq’s bowling following Pakistan’s win over Australia in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Khan praised Tariq’s performance and highlighted the role of team management in decision-making, stressing both on-field talent and discipline.
“Only the umpire can tell about the action, but he is a very good bowler and bowls in the right areas. Whenever the team needs it, any changes will be handled by the captain and the management,” Khan said.
However, Australia’s batting all-rounder Cameron Green was frustrated with Tariq’s bowling action during the match.
The incident occurred in the penultimate delivery of the 11th over when Tariq bowled a fuller delivery outside the off-stump, prompting Green to get down on one knee and tip it in the air, resulting in a disciplined catch by Shatab Khan.
On his way back to the pavilion, Green, who had top-scored for Australia with 35 off 20 balls, motioned for a ‘throw’ towards the dugout, questioning Tariq’s action.
Tariq, who made his T20I debut in November last year, faced similar scrutiny while playing for the Desert Vipers in the ILT20 last year when MI Emirates’ Tom Banton suggested his delivery was ‘thrown’ during their qualifier.
“I have two corners in my elbow that make it difficult for me to fully straighten,” explained Tariq.
“As history shows, whenever spinners are accused of chucking, they go for lab tests, modify their actions and work on the right amount of flexibility. It sometimes confuses the audience. I had two official tests in Pakistan and my action was cleared. Unlike others, I didn’t have to change anything. I’m confident because I didn’t bowl.”
Tariq was reported for questionable bowling action twice in his career but was acquitted both times. Last year, he was cleared by an ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory after bowling 24 balls.