Marlon Samuels reported for suspect action again

Samuels has been reported for his bowling action for the third time in his career

West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels has been reported for suspect action yet again in his career. This is the third time in his career that Samuels has been reported for his bowling action.

The report followed the first Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies at Galle. West Indies were thrashed by Sri Lanka, who won by an innings and six runs on Saturday. Samuels had picked up the wicket of centurion Dimuth Karunaratne to finish with bowling figures of 1-84 from the 27 overs he bowled. He did not contribute much with the bat as he scored 11 and 0 in the two West Indies innings.

The West Indies off-spinner will now need to undergo testing within 14 days. However, as per the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, Samuels can continue to bowl until the results of the test are released. This means that he will be able to bowl in the second Test against Sri Lanka beginning on Thursday at Colombo.

Samuels’ first ban from bowling was in 2008 when he had stopped bowling for three years. This was reported after the third Test against South Africa in Durban. He had, however, continued to play in the team as a specialist batsman.

After undergoing remedial action, Samuels resumed bowling in September 2011, he was reported a second time for his action in November 2013, when he was banned from bowling quicker deliveries. This ban came as a result of the second Test match against India that had happened in Mumbai. He was allowed to bowl his regular off-break deliveries but was advised against bowling the quicker ones.

The 34-year-old off-spinner has picked up 41 wickets in the 60 Tests he has played for his country. He has been a useful part-time bowler for the West Indies, and it will be a blow to the Caribbeans in case Samuels is banned from bowling again.

West Indies play one more Test against Sri Lanka which begins on Thursday. The Test series will be followed by three ODIs and two T20Is. After the tour of Sri Lanka, the West Indies will be travelling to Australia for a Test series that begins on December 10.

Following the suspension of their coach Phil Simmons, the prospect of losing one of their most experienced players will be another big blow to the West Indians. West Indies will be hoping that Samuels can clear the ICC test and that they will be able to make use of their veteran all-rounder's services.