Butcher pleads for leniency over Perera comments

London, May 29: Mark Butcher said Wednesday his newspaper comments about Sri Lankan seamer Ruchira Perera's suspect bowling action were "a bit silly," adding there was "no malice involved" in his remarks.

England batsman Butcher suggested left-armer Perera throws rather than bowls in his weekly column for the Surrey Advertiser.

In the article, Butcher said: "Having faced him (Perera) for some time, I can say that he definitely straightens his arm.

"It's not so bad when the ball is pitched up but when he bowls short he just runs up and throws it at you. I can't believe someone gets away with it."

But Surrey left-hander Butcher, speaking at Edgbaston ahead of Thursday's second Test against Sri Lanka, admitted: "It was a bit silly of me really.

"It was in a conversational-type form in a column I have ghosted for me and I said it without really thinking - there was no malice involved in it.

"There's obviously going to be offence caused, but there's no bad feeling from my part or from the team towards the Sri Lankans.

"I've probably landed myself in a bit of hot water in certain quarters and I just hope they'll be gentle with me."

Butcher is keen to ensure there is no backlash from the Sri Lankans and insists he will personally seek out Ruchira Perera to say sorry.

He added: "I wasn't making a stand or saying we're not happy with what's going on because procedures are clearly outlined, steps are being taken and the team and myself are all very happy with that.

"It's very unfortunate for Perera himself and it's probably not his fault that all this is going on.

"Maybe if things had been a little bit clearer beforehand it wouldn't have come to this, so there is a certain amount of sympathy for him as well.

"It's up to the authorities now to decide how they're going to handle it and if he plays in the game we'll get on with it - there's no question of us walking off the field or getting lawyers involved or anything like that.

"When I see the Sri Lankan team tomorrow (Thursday), I'll be at pains to make them understand there was no malice involved and I have no problem with him."

Butcher's remarks could lead to a disrepute charge from either the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) or the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching their codes of conduct.

An ECB spokesman said earlier Wednesday: "We are aware of the article. We are discussing it with Mark and it would be inappropriate to say anything further at the moment."

Butcher's comments appear to be in breach of his England central contract which prohibits players from making personal attacks.

The ECB could issue a maximum fine of 2,000 pounds (2,940 dollars) or, even suspend Butcher for up to five playing days although a warning appears the most likely outcome in this case.

Perera, who has played seven tests, is undergoing remedial work after having his action reported to the ICC by the match officials in the drawn First Test at Lord's.

However, under ICC rules, he remains eligible for Thursday's match.

Butcher's remarks are similar to those recently made by Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist regarding Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

Gilchrist was charged by the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) with making a "public comment detrimental to the interests of cricket," after questioning Muralitharan's action.