Prenelan Subrayen Reported for Suspect Bowling Action After ODI Debut Against Australia
Subrayen, who picked up 1/46 in his 10-over spell—including the crucial wicket of Travis Head—was cited by match officials for concerns regarding the legality of his bowling action. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that he will undergo an independent assessment at an ICC-accredited testing facility within 14 days to determine whether his action complies with the permissible 15-degree elbow extension rule.
This isn’t the first time Subrayen has faced scrutiny over his bowling mechanics. His action has been under the microscope for over a decade. In 2012, Cricket South Africa (CSA) placed him under rehabilitation after two separate tests deemed his action illegal. He was cleared to bowl again in early 2013 after undergoing remedial work. However, further reports followed in 2014 and 2015, leading to a suspension. It wasn’t until March 2016 that he was cleared again after passing assessments at CSA’s High Performance Centre.
The timing of this report is particularly unfortunate for South Africa, who are already grappling with the absence of pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada due to injury. Subrayen’s exclusion from the second ODI, scheduled in Mackay, adds to the team’s challenges as they aim to build on their commanding 98-run win in the series opener.
South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad addressed the issue, stating that the team and Subrayen mutually agreed to keep him out of the spotlight for the next match. “We just felt, together with ‘Subs,’ that less noise, getting him away and out of the public eye, and making sure he’s okay,” Conrad told reporters.
Despite the controversy, Subrayen’s debut was a proud moment for the spinner, who had also made his Test debut just two months earlier against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. His journey to the international stage has been long and winding, marked by persistence and multiple comebacks.
The ICC’s protocol allows Subrayen to continue bowling in international matches until the results of his assessment are finalized. However, if his action is found to be illegal, he could face suspension until he undergoes further remedial work and passes a reassessment.
This incident reignites the broader conversation around bowling actions in modern cricket. With biomechanical analysis becoming more sophisticated, players are under increasing scrutiny to ensure their techniques align with the sport’s regulations. Subrayen’s case also highlights the mental toll such reports can take on athletes, especially those with a history of similar challenges.
As the series continues, the focus will remain on South Africa’s ability to adapt and whether Subrayen can once again overcome adversity to reclaim his place in the squad.