23 Jul 2014

Williamson banned from bowling

5:18 pm on 23 July 2014

The New Zealand all-rounder Kane Williamson has been suspended from bowling in international cricket because of an illegal action.

The New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson celebrates his century during day four of the Third and Final Test West Indies v New Zealand at Kensington Oval, Barbados, 2014.

The New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson celebrates his century during day four of the Third and Final Test West Indies v New Zealand at Kensington Oval, Barbados, 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Kane Williamson bowling on Day 2 of the 3rd cricket test match of the ANZ Test Series. New Zealand Black Caps v West Indies at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Friday 20 December 2013.

Kane Williamson bowling on Day 2 of the 3rd cricket test match of the ANZ Test Series. New Zealand Black Caps v West Indies at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Friday 20 December 2013. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Independent analysis of Williamson's action, conducted earlier this month in Britain, concluded his elbow extension, when bowling, exceeds the 15 degrees of tolerance permitted under International Cricket Council regulations.

The 23-year-old can't bowl in international cricket again until satisfying the ICC of the legality of his action through fresh independent analysis.

Reported by the umpires and match referee during the second Test between the West Indies and New Zealand at Port of Spain in June, the 23-year-old last bowled for the Black Caps in the second T20 in Dominica on July 6th.

Williamson says he now intends to focus on remedial work and, when practical, apply to be re-tested by specialists.

"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."

The Black Caps coach Mike Hesson is hopeful Williamson would play a further role at the bowling crease, though it's unclear when that might be.