Australia batter Tim David became the latest batter to question Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq‘s bowling action after being dismissed by him during a men’s Hundred match on Friday.David, playing for Trent Rockets against Birmingham Phoenix, edged a full delivery outside off stump to the wicketkeeper. After the dismissal, he appeared to suggest to the umpire that the delivery should have been called a no-ball, seemingly because of Tariq’s bowling action. David also instinctively signalled for a review before deciding against it. The umpire did not uphold the appeal, and David walked off.According to MCC Law 21.2, a delivery is fair if the ball is not thrown. The law states 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.
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The striker’s-end umpire has the primary responsibility for judging whether a delivery is fair, although the bowler’s-end umpire can also call a no-ball if they believe the ball has been thrown.David appeared to be indicating that Tariq’s action did not comply with the law and should have resulted in a no-ball.Tariq’s bowling action has remained under scrutiny for some time. During the 2024 Pakistan Super League, umpires Asif Yaqoob and Richard Illingworth reported him for a suspect bowling action to the match referee. His action was reported again by the on-field umpires during the 2025 PSL.Earlier this year, Australia all-rounder Cameron Green also appeared to question Tariq’s action during the second T20I against Pakistan. After being dismissed by the spinner, Green mimicked a baseball-style throwing motion, referring to Tariq’s bowling action.Despite the criticism on the field and the discussion around his action, Usman Tariq has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
