Sri Lanka’s Shaminda Eranga faces ban for illegal action

In a huge blow to the Sri Lankan team, paceman Shaminda Eranga has been banned from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect because of an illegal action. The statement came just hours after the right arm fast bowler had been taken to a Dublin hospital to undergo tests on an elevated heartbeat after he fell ill during Sri Lanka's 136-run win over Ireland.  

The cricket governing body stated, "The International Cricket Council announced that an independent assessment has found the bowling action of Sri Lanka’s Shaminda Eranga to be illegal and, as such, the fast bowler has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.”

Eranga, who turns 30 on Thursday, will be able to return to international cricket if he passes a fresh test after modifying his bowling action under ICC.

He had his action reported after the second Test against England at Chester-le-Street last month. The  ban means Eranga will take no part in the upcoming five-match one-day international series against England, which starts at Nottingham's Trent Bridge ground on Tuesday.