Shilingford reported for illegal action

CRICKET: The West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford has been reported with a suspected illegal bowling action during the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka which ended at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.

The 27-year-old from Dominica, who had figures of 33.2-3-123-4 and 30-4-79-1, was reported after the end of the Test by on-field umpires Steve Davis and Richard Kettleborough of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires, along with TV umpire Asad Rauf and fourth umpire Tyron Wijewardene.

Alan Hurst of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees handed over the copy of the report to the West Indies team manager Joel Garner on Friday evening.

The umpires' report has cited concern over the straightening of Shillingford's arm while bowling some deliveries to the degree that may constitute an illegal action.

Shillingford's bowling action will now be scrutinized further under the ICC process relating to Tests, ODIs and T20Is. According to clause 2.2, the ICC regulations, the player is required to submit an independent analysis of his bowling action which will be conducted by a member of the ICC panel of human movement specialists.

This analysis and report must take place within 21 days of the report being received by the WICB. If the player is found to have bowled with an illegal action during the independent analysis then he will be suspended from bowling in international cricket until he undertakes remedial action and is reassessed. (CD)