Samuels's action gets all clear from ICC

West Indies middle-order batsman and part-time off-spinner Marlon Samuels has been cleared by the ICC to bowl in international cricket once again after undergoing significant remedial work.

An independent test by ICC found his action legal and the player has been cleared to resume bowling in international matches.

"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 added.

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.

Subsequently, his action was analysed for suspected illegal bowling action as per the ICC regulations.

Meanwhile, excited at the news, the 30-year-old Jamaican said he was happy that he would be able to contribute not only with the bat but also with his bowling now.

"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," said Samuels, who has taken seven Test wickets at an average of 127 and 57 ODI wickets at 43.24.

"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," he added.

In 2008, on-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar and third umpire Brian Jerling had reported doubts over Samuels' bowling action.

Match referee Roshan Mahanama then informed the ICC and the West Indies team management and as per the ICC regulations an analysis of Samuels' action was done by Professor Bruce Elliott, a member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists on September 14.

Although he has been cleared, Samuels' action will be scrutinised from time to time by match officials to ensure it remains legal.