Samuels’ “fast ball” reported

Marlon Samuels has been reported to the ICC for a suspect action during the third Test against South Africa. West Indies lost the Test by an innings and 100 runs, and Samuels was forced into bowling 21 overs in South Africa’s huge first innings of 556-4 declared.

The part-time offspinner has only taken 7 wickets in 27 Tests at an average of 127. On-field umpires Aleem Dar and Simon Taufel joined with third umpire Brian Jerling in reporting the suspect action. Match referee Roshan Mahanama has since informed both teams and the ICC of the report.

“Concerns have been raised by the match officials over the legality of Marlon’s bowling action with particular reference to his ‘fast ball’ when viewed with the naked eye,” said Mahanama in his statement. “We are therefore requesting the ICC to commission a biomechanical report into the bowler’s fast-ball action in accordance with the process introduced in 2005.”

A member of the ICC’s panel of human movement specialists will now conduct an independent analysis on Samuels’ bowling action. Within a fortnight following the analysis the specialist will inform the ICC of his biomechanical assessment. The results of the tests will determine whether Samuels will be allowed to use his ‘fast ball’ in future. He may then, however, appeal to the ICC to have the delivery re-assessed in future.

Should the appeal be upheld and the delivery determined to be legal, Samuels would be allowed to resume bowling it. However, if the action is determined illegal after a second analysis, Samuels would face a suspension of at least one year. Following the suspension he would then be allowed to appeal for a further assessment.

Samuels is free to play international cricket until the biomechanical report is complete.