12 August,2009 08:11 AM IST | | Sanjjeev K Samyal
South Africa's premier fast bowler Dale Steyn tested positive for a banned substance during the second Indian Premier League, but his coaches feel there is no reason for concern.
"It's a violation, not a doping charge. He had a painkiller which is fine. We are awaiting the process to come to fruition," said the SA national team coach Mickey Arthur.
Richard Pybus, who coached Steyn at SA regional side Titans from 2005 until the last season, also backed the bowler. "He hasn't failed a dope test, it's an irregularity in the findings. I don't think there is cause for concern," said Pybus.
Steyn failed a drug test as a result of taking painkillers to recover from an injury during the IPL, his cricket board said yesterday. Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Gerald Majola said Steyn was found to have morphine level slightly above normal.
The Steyn issue comes in the wake of international players having reservations about the whereabouts clause in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. The Indian cricketers went one step ahead and refused to provide their whereabouts.
Arthur and Pybus agreed that it was an uncomfortable testing procedure but something all cricketers will have no choice but to comply with. "It's quite an uncomfortable process to go through. In Cricket South Africa, we have appointed people to help the players out with regards to that (whereabouts clause). But all the athletes the world over are complying with it so cricketers have to do it as well," said Arthur. "I hope something is sorted out in the best interest of everybody."
Pybus observed: "It's something the player bodies have to look into. Obviously, it will have an impact on players' personal lives and space, but the players have to sign it.
"Anyway, cricket associations have strict doping measures in place. Blood testing in SA is quite vigorous and virtually everyone is clean," said Pybus.
With Steyn's failed test, the argument to bring the cricketers under the WADA net becomes stronger. Pybus doesn't believe that it will mean more cricketers will get caught for doping. His argument is simple: Performance-enhancing drugs don't help in cricket.
"It's such a mental game. The most important thing is your skill level and I am not convinced as to how the cricketers will benefit from it. You need a clear mind, sharp skills and good work ethics.
"A high quality batsman is not going to improve his game with performance-enhancing drugs.
"It's not such a power-oriented game. You don't need great endurance levels like cyclists. A well-trained body and a strong focussed mind has been universal for the success of all great cricketers," said Pybus.
It is generally felt that fast bowlers are more susceptible to doping, given they need a higher fitness level and are more injury-prone. Apart from Steyn, Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Akhtar have tested positive earlier. Pybus countered: "I don't think all the great fast bowlers would have got better by being more muscular with doping."
