Shane’s bowling action illegal

Shane’s bowling action illegal
AP Photo/ Eranga Jayawardena

West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford has been suspended from bowling in international cricket because of an illegal bowling action, the International Cricket Council announced.

Shillingford, 27, who only made his debut in June this year, was reported by on-field umpires Steve Davis and Richard Kettleborough, along with TV umpire Asad Rauf and fourth umpire Tyron Wijewardena, during the first Test against Sri Lanka in November.

Subsequent tests conducted on Shillingford’s action in Australia showed that his elbow extension was not within the legal range.

“A comprehensive analysis revealed that his mean elbow extension at 17 degrees, was above the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the relevant regulations,” the ICC said.

The ICC said Shillingford can now apply for re-assessment of his action after he has modified his bowling action in accordance with Clause 24 of the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

The ICC went on to say the independent analysis of Shillingford’s action was performed by Professor Bruce Elliott, a member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists, at the School of Sport Science, Exercise Health, University of Western Australia in Perth on Dec. 9.

The Dominican has the right to appeal against UWA’s conclusions to the Bowling Review Group but must do so in writing to the ICC within 14 days of receiving the report.

Shillingford has taken 14 wickets in five Tests including a best of four for 123 against Sri Lanka in the first innings of the same Galle match.