Marlon Samuels faces immediate ban

West Indies off-break bowler Marlon Samuels has been suspended with immediate effect from bowling in international cricket after independent analysis of his bowling action found his off break and fast deliveries exceeding the permitted 15 degrees level of tolerance under ICC regulations, the ICC disclosed about the decision on Monday.

However, Samuels can apply for fresh re-assessment of his bowling action after making necessary adjustments in his action as per the clause G of the ICC regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

The independent analysis was performed by Dr Mark King, member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists at the National Cricket Academy, at Loughborough University in England on February11.

The analysis revealed 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. Although only his fast deliveries were reported as suspect, the ICC process required his action analysed in general.

Samuels was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action in respect of his fast deliveries by the on-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar and third umpire Brian Jerling after the third Test match between South Africa and the West Indies played in Durban from 10 to 12 January.

Samuels has got also the right to appeal against Dr King’s conclusions to the Bowling Review Group, in accordance with clause F of the said ICC regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.