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Samuels suspended from bowling because of suspect action

25/02/2008

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels from bowling because the flex of his arm is too great.

The 27-year-old was reported last month during the third Test of West Indies' tour of South Africa in Durban.

On-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar, as well as third umpire Brian Jerling, recommended the spinner's action - specifically in respect of his fast delivery – be examined more closely.

And following an analysis by Dr Mark King of the National Cricket Academy at Loughborough University, Samuels was found to regularly exceed the allowed tolerance of 15 degrees arm flex under ICC regulations.

A statement from the sport's governing body read: "The analysis showed that Samuels' average elbow flexion/extension angle for an off-break delivery was 27 degrees while the elbow flexion/extension angle for his faster delivery was 35 degrees.

"The elbow flexion/extension angle for his arm ball was two degrees."

Samuels has the right to appeal the decision, although his suspension takes effect immediately.

If he fails to win any appeal he will be ruled out of bowling in West Indies' upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins next month.

He will still be allowed to play for his country, although he would be named only as a batsman and a fielder and will not be permitted to bowl in international cricket again until his action is modified and cleared by the ICC.

Primarily a specialist in the shortened version of the game, Samuels has played 104 one-day internationals for West Indies and has taken 56 wickets at an average of just over 44.

He is also a part-time bowler in Test cricket and has seven victims in his 27 matches for his country.