News
I'm happy for my action to be tested
By
Dec 16, 2007, 18:38

Shaun Tait has reacted to criticism over the legality of his bowling action by saying he is happy to undergo ICC Tests to prove his action is legal and fair.

Some of the New Zealanders spoke out about Tait’s action after they had been made to struggle against Tait’s raw pace in the Twenty20 International in Perth.

Tait is concerned that since the Kiwis took the unnecessary step of complaining publicly he may have to hear ongoing whispers about his action as Sri Lanka’ record-breaking off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has had to endure since 1995 till now.

“I just hope something like this doesn't hang over me for the rest of my career like it has with Muralitharan,” Tait told the Queensland-based Sunday Mail.

“To be honest, I don't know how he's handled it. You've got to be mentally strong to keep going about your business when people are questioning your action.

“I'm comfortable with my action. I know it's a bit unique. I tend to turn my wrist very late at the point of delivery, but never at any stage of my career has anyone tried to suggest I chuck.

“I'm not happy about it at all but I'm not the sort of bloke to lose sleep over it. If the ICC want to test me, that's fine, I'll do it anywhere, anytime. I've got nothing to hide.”

Tait’s skipper Ricky Ponting was annoyed by the comments and appeared to think it was a result of sour grapes after they struggled so much against Tait’s great pace.

“It seems to be their opinion, (but) to air it publicly is a bit disappointing I suppose, but what can you do?” Ponting said. “It probably just makes us a bit hungrier to go out there and play some good cricket against them.

“He's got my full support, (his action) all looks pretty good to me. I think everyone handled it well and Shaun especially. When things like that come up that are absolute rubbish, you dismiss them.”

The second of three one-day internationals between Australia and New Zealand was rained off in Sydney on Sunday after the Kiwis reached 30-3. Australia lead the series 1-0.