UNI
 
New Delhi, Jun 14: Former West Indies pace spearhead Michael Holding believes that umpires are scared to call bowlers for chucking as they fear being dragged into the controversy which generally follows such decisions.

"I think umpires are a little bit wary about getting too strict with it (the law)," he said in an interview to a website.

Holding said the existing ICC laws, according to which a bowler is tested in a laboratory after being called by umpires, were not foolproof.

"Although the law is there it is not a tight situation. When you are sending someone to a laboratory to be tested, it's a lot different to being out in the middle and what they are doing out there," Holding said.

However, Holding felt the ICC had all the necessary rules and regulations to check the menace but needs to implement them in a better manner.

"I am happy with the law but I am not happy with the way it's been implemented. It has been proven by high technology that almost every bowler straightens his arm to some degree, but I'm not too sure the law has been implemented as rigidly as it could be," he observed.

The former pacer said he enjoyed his new job of a commentator and rejected suggestions that his criticism of players has ever affected his relationship with them.

"I have criticised some of my best friends in the West Indies team, like Courtney Walsh once in Jamaica for something he did and we were the best of friends.

"I do run into Lara on a regular basis. We still talk, though I wouldn't say we are bosom buddies. But we will still talk about cricketing matters and about West Indies cricket," he said.

Impressed with Windies' fielding during their 4-1 ODI win over India, Holding said he was particularly happy with Ramnaresh Sarwan's performance, who has become a consistent performer for the team.

"He has a lot of ability, no one can doubt Sarwan's ability, but I am happy to see now that he is being more consistent. He's been underachieving for too long," Holding said praising the vice-captain.

"You can't pick too many flaws in Sarwan's technique. He has ability and technique so he should be getting runs a lot more frequently," he added.

Despite being way down in the ICC ODI Rankings, Holding said he was hopeful of a good show from the West Indies in next year's World Cup.

"I'm sure the West Indies as a nation will host a great World Cup where everyone will enjoy themselves. As for the West Indies winning the World Cup, why not, anything can happen," he said.