Akila Dananjaya found to have illegal bowling action

Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya has been suspended from bowling in international cricket after failing an independent biomechanics assessment in Brisbane. He may, however, bowl in Sri Lanka's domestic competitions, with SLC's consent.

The news is a major blow to Sri Lanka ahead of next year's World Cup. Dananjaya had been the most consistent bowler in Sri Lanka's ODI ranks over the past year, and had begun to have success in the Test format as well. Dananjaya is likely to undergo remedial work over the next few months, but it is as yet unclear when he may be able to undergo the biomechanics test again, with a view to being cleared for international cricket. As such, the Sri Lanka selectors and coach Chandika Hathurusingha may have to begin looking at other options for a lead spinner.

Dananjaya had been reported for a suspect action following Sri Lanka's first Test against England in Galle last month. Of the three main deliveries he bowls, it is understood to be his offbreak - the stock ball - that was found to be breaching the 15-degree limit for elbow flexion.

Even if Dananjaya does undergo remedial work and gets himself cleared to bowl at the top level, there is no guarantee he will be as effective a bowler. Sri Lanka offspinner Sachithra Senanayake had returned to the international fold with a re-worked action late in 2014, after earlier failing a biomechanics test, and was unable to replicate the success of his early career. Tharindu Kaushal, another Sri Lanka offspinner, also had his doosra banned in 2015, and has since been unable to flourish in top flight cricket.

Dananjaya has 28 ODI wickets at an average of 23 this year. In Tests, he has 27 wickets at 24.25.