No contact from ICC about Narine: KKR coach Jacques Kallis

Kolkata, April 7। Kolkata Knight Riders coach Jacques Kallis on Thursday said the team has received no word from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on whether their West Indian off-spinner Sunil Narine has been successful in remodelling his action.

Narine recently pulled out of the World T20 saying he was still having difficulty in bowling with his new action after being sanctioned by the ICC for bowling with a suspect action.

"He has done a lot of work. We have not got the official verdict from the ICC yet. But I am sure they will come out positive," Kallis told the media here ahead of KKR's first home game where they face Delhi Daredevils on Sunday at the Eden Gardens.

The right-arm tweaker who was recently in the city practicing, had to fly back to his country because of his father's death.

"Unfortunately, Sunil's lost a family member. His dad has passed away. So he has gone back. We are certainly not putting any pressure on him to comeback. Something I have been through and know how tough a time it is. So we are not putting him under any pressure. When he feels right to play cricket, he will come," Kallis said.

The former South African all-rounder has replaced Australian Trevor Bayliss as the coach. Under Bayliss, KKR won two IPL crowns in 2012 and 2014. Kallis believes his and the 53-year-old coaching style is identical and nothing much would be changed on the training grounds.

"Trevor was magnificent for us. And he has shown what a good coach he is, taking over the England job and doing wonderful there. The systems in place certainly won't change. My coaching style is very similar to what his was. I won't be changing too much, only a couple of things to add to my identity," he said.

Speaking about the slow and low wickets at the Eden Gardens which suits his team's bowlers, the 40-year-old said, "Don't think wickets will change much. It will be slow and low and will turn. We are going to have to read the wicket and play to our strengths. One of our strengths have been spin. Will try and use the home advantage.

Agency