By Bilal Ahmed
Australia batter Tim David recently questioned the bowling action of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq during a men’s Hundred match on Friday. David’s reaction came after he was dismissed by Tariq while playing for Trent Rockets against Birmingham Phoenix.
Following his dismissal, David appeared to suggest to the umpire that the delivery should have been called a no-ball, seemingly due to Tariq’s bowling action. He also instinctively signaled for a review but then decided against it. The umpire did not uphold the appeal, and David subsequently walked off the field.
Scrutiny Over Bowling Action
Tariq’s bowling action has been under scrutiny for some time, with questions raised about its legality. This incident marks the second time an Australian batter has appeared to question Tariq’s action.
During the 2024 Pakistan Super League, umpires Asif Yaqoob and Richard Illingworth reported Tariq for a suspect bowling action to the match referee. His action was reported again by on-field umpires during the 2025 PSL.
Earlier this year, Australia all-rounder Cameron Green also appeared to question Tariq’s action. After being dismissed by the spinner during the second T20I against Pakistan, Green mimicked a baseball-style throwing motion, referencing Tariq’s bowling action.
Despite the criticism and ongoing discussions surrounding his action, Usman Tariq has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
MCC Laws on Fair Delivery
According to MCC Law 21.2, a delivery is considered fair if the ball is not thrown. This law specifies that once the bowler’s arm reaches shoulder level during the delivery swing, the elbow must not be partially or completely straightened before the ball leaves the hand. David appeared to be indicating that Tariq’s action did not comply with this law.
The striker’s-end umpire holds the primary responsibility for judging whether a delivery is fair. However, the bowler’s-end umpire also has the authority to call a no-ball if they believe the ball has been thrown.
Additionally, Clause 41.4 of the MCC laws addresses a “deliberate attempt to distract a batter.” Under this clause, if an umpire determines that such an attempt has been made, they are required to immediately call and signal a dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for the call. In the recent incident involving David, none of the umpires found any issues with Tariq’s action, deeming it a fair delivery.
Tariq has previously commented on his unique action, attributing it to his physical structure. In an interview with MYK Sports in April 2025, he stated, “My action is unique because my body dimensions are unique. My body frame is not like the common person.” He further added, “I do have two elbows in my arm. My arm bends naturally. I have got this tested and cleared. Everyone feels I bend my arms and all that. My bent arm is a biological issue.”
Following Green’s gesture, Tariq responded with a post on Instagram stories, sharing a video of a young boy crying during an argument, captioned “After getting out..”
The incident with Tim David occurred on Friday.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
