Samuels’ ‘fast-paced’ offies not to be curtailed in BBL despite ‘illegal action’ suspicion

Sydney: West Indies all rounder Marlon Samuels can continue bowling his fast-paced off spinners during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) since Cricket Australia`s (CA) testing process is not fast enough to ban him from bowling even if his action is found illegal.

Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann is currently in hot water for questioning Samuels bowling after he continued to fire down a string of quicker balls for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash on the weekend, News.com.au reports. Samuels’ suspect action has reportedly been officially mentioned by at least one concerned umpire during the BBL as he`s helped the Renegades to the top of the table with four straight wins, it added. Two more mentions from different umpires, or an even stronger report which can bypass the mentions process, would send Samuels for laboratory testing on his action, the paper said. A Cricket Australia (CA) official confirmed that testing, checking to see whether elbow extension went beyond the 15 degrees allowed, needed to occur within 21 days of the third mention or report, it further said. The paper further reported that the written results can then take up to 14 days to be received. During that time, Samuels would be allowed to continue bowling, and with the BBL final scheduled for January 19, the 31-year-old all rounder would still be free to bowl for the Renegades. As CA`s doubtful bowling action procedure only applies to Australia`s domestic competition, Samuels would also be allowed to bolster the Windies attack in their five one-day internationals and one T20 match against Australia in February, it added. ANI