The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday that West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels has been suspended from bowling in international cricket pending fresh assessment after independent analysis of his bowling action revealed that his off break and fast deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under regulations.

In a release yesterday, the ICC said 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 February 11.

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.

General analysis

Although only his fast deliveries were reported as suspect, the ICC process required his action generally, including the fast delivery, to be analysed.

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 of the Emirates elite panel of umpires and third umpire Brian Jerling of the Emirates International Panel following completion of the third Test match between South Africa and the West Indies played in Durban from January 10-12.

Despite this, he played for the West Indies in the five-match one-day international series (ODI) against South Africa.

Samuels occasional off spin has so far brought him seven Test wickets and 57 ODI scalps.

The suspension applies with immediate effect. He can apply for reassessment of his bowling action after he has modified it in accordance with the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

Samuels has the right to appeal against Dr King's conclusions to the bowling review group, in accordance with the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.