Calcutta, Oct. 22 :
Calcutta, Oct. 22:
Srinivas Venkatraghavan, one of the most respected umpires in world cricket, feels that a bowler shouldn't be called for chucking unless one is absolutely sure.
'If it's blatant, yes, call it a no ball. But if there is any tinge of doubt over a bowler's action, it is wise to refer the incident to the ICC panel on illegal delivery', he remarked at an umpires' seminar today.
Defending the International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to carry the ruling on chucking to its board room, the former India captain said that players at the international level should be given every chance of protecting their career.
The seminar, organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) at Gorky Sadan, was aimed at updating domestic and local umpires with latest changes in the laws of the game.
Passing on the knowledge along with Venkat was A.V. Jayaprakash. Local umpires were updated on a number of legal changes, including provision of penalty runs, chucking, dead ball, interruption of play, fair and unfair play.
All the new rules, save the provision of penalty runs, will be followed in local and domestic levels from the forthcoming season.
According to changed rules, known as Code 2000, umpires have been empowered to award five penalty runs to either side, if there is unfair play. Umpires can also use their discretion now to frequently inspect the ball and change it, as and when they feel is required.
Describing the umpire's job as quite challenging, Venkatraghavan parried a query on how he dealt with 'play-acting.'
A dreaded off-spinner in his playing days, Venkatraghavan regretted the lack of quality off-spinners in India in recent times.
Utpal shows up at last
Utpal Chatterjee finally showed up at the Bengal Ranji Trophy probables' camp at CC&FC today. No nets were held, as the probables got a day's break.
The left-arm spinner couldn't join practice on the first four days because of official engagements. From tomorrow, he'll attend the practice sessions.
Rohan Gavaskar left the camp for Mumbai today to prepare for his graduation examinations.
The camp will shift to Eden Gardens tomorrow though the players can only have physical training and fielding practice there as the practice wickets are yet to be ready. Batting and bowling practice will be held at the Kalighat ground. The camp may return to CC&FC again as Eden hosts under-14 and under-19 matches from Tuesday to Sunday.