Samuels' suspect faster ball reported by umpires

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Samuels' suspect faster ball reported by umpires

Marlon Samuels has been reported after the umpires during the Durban Test between South Africa and West Indies decided that aspects of his action were suspect.

Samuels, a part-time bowler with seven Test wickets at 127.00 to his name, was used more than usual during the match because of an injury to Dwayne Bravo and the absence of Chris Gayle and his offspinners. But on-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar, supported third umpire Brian Jerling. Match referee Roshan Mahanama informed both the ICC and the West Indies team management of the report.

"Concerns have been raised by the match officials over the legality of Marlon's bowling action with particular reference to his 'fast ball' when viewed with the naked eye," Mahanama said in a statement. "We are therefore requesting the ICC to commission a biomechanical report into the bowler's fast-ball action in accordance with the process introduced in 2005."

Samuels will now undergo independent analysis of his action by a member of the ICC's panel of human movement specialists. That will take place as soon as is practicable. Within 14 days of the independent analysis being carried out, the appointed specialist will supply the ICC with a written report advising the outcome of the biomechanical assessment. This will confirm whether the action used by Samuels in the bowling of his fast ball was legal or illegal.

Rest of article can be found at cricinfo

Bit harsh as he is only a part time bowler, but the rules are the rules. Judging by the photo that accompanied the article, they may have a point as there looks to be plenty of scope for straightening.

Anyone actually seen him bowl enough to comment?

 

[FBI]

Re: Samuels' suspect faster ball reported by umpires

I have seen him bowl a lot. He can bowl a quicker ball at consistently 120kph which is pretty damn rapid. From the naked eye, it looks like a blatent chuck to me compared to his normal ball. Hi-motion shows that his arm is highly bent before and after the delivery, but the key would be to freeze frame at the point of delivery.