This is not the first time that Murali's action has been officially scrutinised. His critics have been as vocal as his supporters with legendary India left-arm spinner Bishen Bedi repeatedly dismissing the Sri Lankan's action as akin to that of a "javelin thrower".

But Speed, a lawyer by profession, pleaded for every case to be treated on its merits.

"One of the less appealing aspects of cricket's history has been the over-reaction that seems to take place whenever a bowler is suspected of having an illegal action," Speed said.

"There is a danger people will lose all sense of proportion and reason and let emotions override sense," the Australian added.

"The reality is that under the new process put in place by the ICC we are seeing that where problems are identified the intervention of suitably qualified experts helps address the concerns raised."

In the meantime Speed defended the ICC's revised two-stage process for dealing with bowlers who had suspect deliveries, pointing out how fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed was "making a successful return to the Pakistan side after remedial work on his action."

And he insisted the ICC would be utterly impartial, no matter who the bowler was.

"The ICC has been asked by all its members to ensure that these rules are followed without fear or favour and we are ensuring that this happens."

Speed's comments came 24 hours after ICC president Ehsan Mani, a Pakistani, dismissed talk of a conspiracy against Muralitharan.

"The match officials are well within their rights to raise any concerns about any delivery from any bowler," Mani said.

"Given this reality it is deeply disappointing to read claims from some quarters about bias."

Murali is the fourth player to be reported to the ICC under its revised process to deal with potentially flawed actions in the past 12 months.

Shabbir, West Indies' Jermaine Lawson and Bangladeshi Sanwar Hossain have already been asked to undergo remedial work on their bowling actions.