Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

LAWSON

SIDELINED WEST Indian fast bowler Jermaine Lawson believes he has learnt a lot in one day from Australian Dennis Lillee, considered one of the world's greatest fast bowlers of all time.

Lawson, who along with fellow Jamaican Andrew Richardson is currently in Chennai, India, at a bowling camp being conducted by Lillee, a veteran of 70 Test matches, said he is working to improve his consistency.

"Dennis is the greatest bowler and teacher on fast bowling. I have learnt a lot from him on the first day today," the DNA website quoted Lawson as saying after Tuesday's first day.

Lawson, who has played 13 Test matches after making his debut in 2002 - also in Chennai, hailed the wonderful facilities at his disposal.

"I am here to improve upon my bowling and though I was called for 'flexing' (throwing), I have been cleared by the ICC. I have no problem about my action now. I want to get back to my national team as early as possible," he said.

After taking a career best of 7-78 in the first innings against Australia in Antigua three years ago, Lawson has been dogged by a suspect bowling action and injuries. He was even called for 'throwing' in a local Super Cup match against Westmoreland, playing for champions St. Catherine CC.

Sees no problem

However, Lillee said he did not see a problem with Lawson's action.

"Lawson has a clean action. I do not find any problem with it. He is quick with an aggressive run-up before delivery. We will continue to monitor him," Lillee said.

Lillee did, however, identify a few problems with the 24-year-old, who has 51 wickets in his short Test career.

"Lawson is trying to go away from the right-handed batsman rather than going in. I have talked to him and have given a few tips to him to rectify it. Lawson's problem is more to do with his left arm (the front arm) when he bowls. It is a minor mistake," said Lillee, who took 355 Test wickets at 23.92 with a career best of 7-83.

Meanwhile, Lawson believes the regional side is good enough to win the upcoming tri-nation cricket series against India and Australia in Malaysia from September 12-24.

"Under his (Brian Lara's) captaincy, the team has been performing well and, in fact, they will be highly competitive to both India and Australia," the DNA website quoted Lawson as saying.

Since reappointment, Lara has led the Caribbean side to a 5-0 one-day series win over Zimbabwe, followed by a 4-1 win against India.

"We are known to be competitive players and always giving 100 per cent to the team's cause. Our team has been on the high during the past two seasons. We should be winning the Cup in Kuala Lumpur," Lawson said.