Shillingford cited for throwing again

ROSEAU, Dominica – Former Test off-spinner Shane Shillingford has been reportedly suspended by Cricket West Indies for an illegal action, ruling him out of the third round of the Regional Four-Day Championship which starts tomorrow.

According to DBS Radio, the Dominican was apparently reported following Windward Islands Volcanoes’ first-round match against Guyana Jaguars in St Lucia. Video footage was subsequently sent to England for analysis, confirming the suspicion of match officials.

It is understood that the two deliveries from Shillingford which came under the spotlight were his faster ball and the doosra.

CWI is yet to make a statement on the matter but Shillingford was not named in the Volcanoes 13-man squad to face Jamaica Scorpions at Sabina Park.

Quoting sources close to the Volcanoes franchise, DBS Radio said the 35-year-old could appeal the decision or now undergo rehabilitative work on his action. However, costs associated with an appeal are prohibitive and the bowler is likely to opt for adjusting his action.

DBS Radio quoted an official of the Dominica Cricket Association as saying the body was “well aware” of the matter and were “gathering all the facts” before making a statement.

It is not the first time Shillingford has found himself in trouble with officials over his action. In fact, he only resumed bowling in 2014 after being slapped with an International Cricket Council ban for an illegal action.

He had been reported in 2013 during the second Test against India in Mumbai and suspended later that year after tests revealed his arm breached the 15-degree limit while bowling off-breaks and doosras.

Shillingford was also banned from bowling in 2010 and cleared to return the following year.

However, question marks have been raised over the process followed in the latest assessment of Shillingford’s action.

And outstanding former international umpire Billy Doctrove told DBS Radio he believed the decision was “a bit rushed”, especially regarding the use of video evidence in making the assessment.

“I’m really surprised and sceptical in the process used to take the decision to suspend Shane Shillingford from bowling,” Doctrove said.

“I think the decision was a bit rushed and when dealing with such a sensitive matter, I think the authorities should err on the side of caution and only take that decision when they are satisfied that all normally recognised procedures dealing with a bowler having suspect action have been followed.

“And in this case, I really don’t think those procedures were followed or implemented.”

Shillingford is the region’s leading spinner with 572 wickets from 128 first-class matches and 106 wickets from 69 List A matches.

He has taken 70 wickets from 16 Tests but played his last Test five years ago against New Zealand in Bridgetown.

Last season, he snatched 38 wickets from nine matches for Volcanoes in the first class championship.