Samuels Cleared To Bowl In International Cricket

Samuels Cleared To Bowl In International Cricket

Marlon Samuels is now allowed to bowl in international cricket again

©Action Images / Andrew Boyers Livepic

West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to resume bowling in international cricket.

The 30-year-old was banned from bowling due to an illegal action in February 2008 but has since passed required tests in Perth, Australia, which enable him to resume bowling his off-spin.

Independent analysis of his bowling action in 2008 determined that both his regular and quicker delivery were not being delivered without significant illegal straightening of the arm but the ICC has now confirmed that he is now bowling wel within the 15-degree tolerance limit.

After being reported and banned from bowling, Samuels was additionally banned from all cricket activities for having illegal links with a bookmaker, returning to the West Indian national team earlier this year.

“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," Samuels said.

"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 – with the ball. I am the kind of player who likes to be always involved in the game so this is great news for me and for the team."

The news means that captain Darren Sammy will be able to turn to Samuels as a bowling option during the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, should he need to.

© Cricket World 2011