Gilchrist is charged for criticism of Muralitharan

Adam Gilchrist, the Australian vice-captain, has been charged by the Australian Cricket Board after asserting that the action of the Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan breaks the laws of the game.

When asked about the action of the world's No 1 ranked bowler, Gilchrist said: "I think he does throw. I say that because, if you read the laws of the game, there is no doubt in my mind that he and many others throughout cricket history have."

These comments have not endeared Gilchrist to the ACB and its chief executive officer, James Sutherland, who has charged the player after considering his explanation.

The charge facing Gilchrist, whom most observers rate to be the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the world, is breaking Rule 10 section 1 of the ACB code of behaviour. This states that players and officials must not make any public or media comment which is detrimental to the interests of the game.

For Sri Lanka this is the second time in 10 days, that doubts have been raised over the legality of one of their bowler's actions. While such accusations are not a new phenomenon for Muralitharan, who has been in a similar position to this several times before, only to come out the other end a better and more successful bowler, it is for the left-arm seamer Ruchira Perera.

The bowling action of Perera, who is still available for selection for this week's Test, was reported to the International Cricket Council by match officials, at the conclusion of the first Test six days ago, and all this debate cannot be good for the state of mind of the Sri Lankans, as they prepare for the second Test at Edgbaston.

The likelihood is that Muralitharan will not be fit for Thursday, but Gilchrist's comments are sure to get television cameramen and commentators examining his action when he does play. Sri Lanka's last tour to England, in 1998, ended in controversy after remarks about Muralitharan's action by David Lloyd, the then England coach, and it is difficult to imagine this series now ending in any other way.