Sydney Thunder spinner Arjun Nair reworks action but still fears another ban

Every time he bowls a ball, Sydney Thunder all-rounder Arjun Nair’s head spins almost as much as his deliveries.

Sydney Thunder bowler Arjun Nair celebrates taking the wicket of the Adelaide Strikers’ Michael Neser on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

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Every time he bowls a ball, Sydney Thunder all-rounder Arjun Nair’s head spins almost as much as his deliveries.

That’s the enduring price he’s had to pay for being getting slapped with an automatic, but highly contentious, three-month ban last year after being reported for a suspect bowling action.

Although the talented tweaker has been given the all clear to resume bowling in the Big Bash after satisfying officials it was perfectly legal, the fear of being suspended again still plays on his mind.

He’s had to slightly modify his action and has worked so hard on it that it now feels completely natural to him, but he still reminds himself about what he went through it so he doesn’t inadvertently incur the wrath of officials again.

Sydney Thunder’s Arjun Nair worked hard to re-design his action. Picture: Getty Images

“You see a lot of bowlers who get reported again,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“So for me, I want to keep thinking about it and keep acknowledging it and keep focusing on these little areas to make sure it doesn’t come back again and haunt me.”

So far, so good. He bowled just one over in his BBL return in Adelaide on New Year’s Eve, then three overs against the Strikers on Sunday, where he baffled the opposition with his variations.

He gave up nine runs from the first 10 deliveries of his three-over spell, then picked up three wickets in six balls to finish with career-best figures of 3-12.

“I’ve always been a positive person,” he said.

Sydney Thunder bowler Arjun Nair celebrates taking the wicket of the Adelaide Strikers’ Michael Neser on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

“Obviously I was disappointed with what happened last season but at the end of the day, I always knew deep inside I was going to come back.”

Still just 20, Nair is regarded as one of Australia’s brightest young all-rounders.

He made his first-class debut for New South Wales at 17 and was playing in the BBL at 18 before his career was placed on hold, first with the suspension then a back injury but he says he doesn’t hold any grudges.

“I can’t say I’m angry. It’s obviously not the greatest thing to happen but I’ve moved on from it now.“

Arjun Nair celebrates with teammates after taking the wicker of the Strikers’ Ben Laughlin on Sunday. Picture: AAP

Moving forward, I think I’m better for it but obviously it wasn’t the greatest thing to happen to anyone.

“Overall I’m pretty happy with where I’m at now. Action wise, it’s just a bit more technical stuff, being a bit more smoother, but the few little changes I’ve made are second nature now so the most important thing is that in pressure situations I have to maintain it.”

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Originally published as Sydney Thunder spinner Arjun Nair reworks action but still fears another ban