Butcher contrite over comments
on Perera's bowling

England batsman Mark Butcher was in contrite mood on Wednesday after stirring up the controversy over the suspect bowling action of Sri Lanka left-arm seamer Ruchira Perera.

Butcher wrote of Perera in a local newspaper that "when he bowls short, he just runs up and throws it at you".

Perera's suspect action was reported to the International Cricket Council by umpires Srinivas Venkataraghavan of India and Australia's Daryl Harper after the drawn first Test at Lord's earlier this month.

On the eve of the second Test at Edgbaston, Butcher said: "No malice was intended and I will be at pains to tell the Sri Lankans that when I see them.

"It's probably landed me in hot water but I hope the authorities will be gentle with me."

The England and Wales Cricket Board are investigating the matter.

Writing in his column in the Surrey Advertiser , Butcher said: "Having faced him for some time (while making 105 in the first Test), I can say that he definitely straightens his arm.

"It is not so bad when the ball is pitched up but, when he bowls short, he just runs up and throws it at you.

"It is extraordinary and I can't believe someone is getting away with it."

Mail Cricket Editor