Samuels' bowling action to be analysed

Marlon Samuels will undergo independent analysis of his bowling action at the National Cricket Academy, at Loughborough University in England on February 11, after he was reported for a suspected illegal action by the umpires in the third Test between South Africa and West Indies in Durban.

Due to the injury to Dwayne Bravo and absence of Chris Gayle, Samuels, a part-time offspin bowler, sent down 21 overs in South Africa's only innings of the game. 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.

Samuels' analysis will be performed by Dr Mark King, member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists. The outcome of the analysis is expected within 14 days after the tests, which was confirm whether the offspinner's action is legal. Although only Samuel's "fast" deliveries have been reported as suspect, the process requires his action, including the "fast" deliveries, to be analysed.

If the analysis confirms that only Samuels' "fast" deliveries are illegal, then he would be allowed to continue bowling in international cricket without using that delivery but subject to the warning that should he bowl his "fast" ball he would run the risk of being reported a second time.

However, if this month's analysis concludes that Samuels generally bowls with an illegal action, he will be suspended from bowling in international cricket until such time as he has corrected his action and submitted to a fresh independent analysis that concludes that his action has been remedied.

Samuels has taken seven Test wickets at 127.00 apiece and 57 ODI wicket at 43.24.