BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford has been suspended from bowling in international cricket because of an illegal bowling action, the International Cricket Council confirmed yesterday. The 27-year-old, 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 Galle last month. 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 was 17 degrees which is above the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the relevant regulations," the ICC said. "Shillingford can now apply for re-assessment of his action after he has modified his bowling action in accordance with clause 2.4 of the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions."
The ICC said the independent analysis of Shillingford's action was performed by Professor Bruce Elliott, member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists, at the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia in Perth on December 9.
In accordance with clause 2.3 of the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions, 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. The latest development will come as a huge blow for Shillingford who has made a significant impact since making his debut on South Africa's tour of the Caribbean earlier this year. He 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. Only on Monday, Shillingford was named in a 30-man preliminary squad to prepare for next year's Cricket World Cup in Asia. (CMC)