Referee to study video evidence in 'chucking' row

Match referee Colonel Naushad Ali will study video footage of James Kirtley's action during England's one–day victory over Zimbabwe before deciding whether to officially report his concerns to the International Cricket Council.

Colonel Ali confirmed yesterday that he thought "there was a problem" with Kirtley's action after watching him take two for 33 on his one–day international debut in Harare.

He has asked for television replays of Kirtley's performance and intends to look at his action again if he plays in Saturday's second match in the five–match series.

"I'm still investigating at the moment," confirmed Colonel Ali. "I've asked for videos and slow motion replays and at the moment it is still in the observation stage.

"I have not put anything official in writing to the ICC and I will look at his bowling again if he plays on Saturday."

England discovered the news about Kirtley, who was also reported two years ago during an unofficial Test for England A in New Zealand only to be cleared after an investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board, this morning and plan to discuss the matter with Colonel Ali.

They have also asked for video footage to study it for themselves and have called a management meeting today, which will also be attended by ECB chief executive Tim Lamb who has arrived in Harare for an ICC meeting.

Tour manager Phil Neale also plans talks with John Carr, the ECB's Director of Cricket Operations, whose department cleared Kirtley last November following tests and filming by the biochemists department at Brighton University.

Kirtley said: "I will not be losing any sleep over this because as far as I'm concerned the slate is clean and yesterday was a happy day for me after making my England debut and taking a couple of wickets".