Samuels' action cleared by ICC

Marlon Samuels, the West Indies batsman and part-time offspinner, has had his bowling action cleared by the ICC after undergoing significant remedial work. An independent test found his action to be legal and the player has been cleared to resume bowling in international cricket.

"A comprehensive analysis revealed that his mean elbow extension was now comfortably within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the relevant regulations," the ICC said in a statement. "During the original test on 11 February 2008, his mean elbow extension had been calculated to be in excess of 15 degrees."

"It feels really good to know that I can bowl again in international cricket. I have been waiting for this moment for a while now. I am mainly a batsman in the team but it feels good to know that I can again contribute to the team in another area," Samuels said. "I really want to thank Jimmy Adams for working with me in the nets and helping me through this process. After I came back into the West Indies set-up Ottis Gibson continued the work from where Jimmy left off and helped me to get the positive result I was aiming for.

"I have been spending a lot of time doing a lot of bowling in the nets so that I could get my body accustomed to the work, so that anytime the captain calls on me, in any of the three formats of the game, I will be ready."

Samuels was reported for a suspect action by the umpires in the third Test between South Africa and West Indies in Durban in January 2008. On-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar and third umpire Brian Jerling reported their doubts over his action, especially with respect to his "fast" deliveries. Roshan Mahanama, the match referee, subsequently informed both the ICC and the West Indies team management of the report, as per the ICC regulations governing the reporting process.

The analysis of Samuels' action was conducted by professor Bruce Elliott, a member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists, and his team at the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia on September 14

As with all bowlers who are tested, Samuels' action will continue to be scrutinised by match officials to ensure it remains legal. He has taken seven Test wickets at an average of 127 and 57 ODI wickets at 43.24.