Controversial Sri Lankan offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan is back in cricket's black book after being reported for a suspect bowling action during Australia's 121-run victory in the third cricket Test.

Match referee Chris Broad said he reported Muralitharan to the ICC after noticing a "flaw" in his action during the Test.

Broad said it was only Murali's "doosra" which needed investigation, not his whole action.

"I believe there is further investigation needed into this so-called doosra ball," Broad said.

"I informed Sri Lankan team management that a report had been lodged with the ICC concerning the bowling action of Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan, particularly when he bowls the new delivery which turns away from the right handed batsmen," he said in a statement.

"The concern is that this ball may be delivered with an action that is not in accordance with the laws of the game and accordingly I have submitted this report for further investigation.

"In making this report I would like emphasise that it relates to this new delivery only."

Murali will now work with Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) and independent expert from the ICC bowling review panel to establish "if there is a flaw in this delivery and if so to remedy it".

Muralitharan is free to continue playing international cricket during this period and, bizarrely, could take the world record off Courtney Walsh while under review.

Murali currently has 513 Test wickets and needs seven more when Sri Lanka tours Zimbabwe next month to beat Walsh's mark of 519.

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