Kane Williamson banned from bowling in international cricket after action deemed illegal

Kane Williamson’s bowling action has been deemed illegal

New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson bas been banned from bowling in international cricket by ICC, as a result of his action being found to be illegal under ICC norms. The rules allows a bowler an elbow extension of 15 degrees while bowling, but Williamson’s currently exceeds that limit.

Williamson’s action was reported to be suspect during the 2nd Test between West Indies and New Zealand at Trinidad last month by on-field umpires Ian Gould and Rod Tucker as well as the match referee Chris Board. His action was then biomechanically tested at Cardiff Metropolitan University, where it has been established that he straightens his arm beyond the 15 degrees permissible.

The testing has resulted in the 23-year old’s ban from bowling in international cricket, and he’ll be allowed to resume bowling if and when he remodels his bowling action such that it is declared valid by the ICC.

Williamson has taken the ban by the ICC in his stride and wants to make the necessary corrections to his bowling action quickly in order to start bowling once again.

"I note the findings of Dr Craig Ranson and his team at Cardiff Met and will concentrate on changing whatever's necessary to return to the bowling crease," he said. "Clearly, the onus is on me to satisfy assessors as to the legality of my action, and I'm aware I have some hard work in front of me to achieve that goal.

"It's never nice, going through this sort of process but it will be worth it if I can manage to bowl again at international level."

While the New Zealander is in the side primarily for his batting, his part-time off-spin, which has yielded 24 wickets in his 34 Test matches, has proved very handy to the side on numerous occasions. Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, is aware of Williamson’s contributions with the ball in hand and hopes that he can overcome the challenge that has been posed to him.

"Kane's disappointed, clearly - anyone in his situation would feel the same way," Hesson said. "He now has a challenge on his hands if he's to bowl again at the top level, but we're very hopeful he can manage it."