Shillingford banned for illegal action

West Indian off-spinner Shane Shillingford has been suspended from bowling in international cricket for his illegal action, the sport's world governing body said on Tuesday.

His action was found to be illegal following an independent analysis performed by Bruce Elliott, a member of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) panel of Human Movement Specialists. "A comprehensive analysis revealed that his elbow extension was 17 degrees, which is above the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the relevant regulations," the ICC said in a statement.

"Should he choose to appeal, he must lodge a written notification with the ICC within 14 days of receiving the report."

Shillingford, reported for a suspected action by match officials after the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last month, can now apply for reassessment of his action after he has modified it.

The umpires' report had then cited concern over the straightening of the spinner's arm while bowling some deliveries to the degree that may constitute an illegal action. Shillingford has so far taken 14 wickets in five Tests. NEW DELHI, Dec 21, 2010 AFP