ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Ronsford Beaton, the Guyana Harpy Eagles fast bowler, was reported for a suspect bowling action during the ongoing West Indies Championship four-day first-class competition. Beaton’s action was cited by match officials during the fourth round match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Jamaica Scorpions at the Guyana National Stadium, which ended last Saturday.

As part of the process, once a player is reported for a suspect bowling action, video footage from the match in which the player was reported is provided to CWI. The video footage along with the written report is then sent to the CWI Bowling Review Group (BRG) and Loughborough University for analysis using an Opinion Report.

On Tuesday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the Opinion Report by the Independent Assessor at Loughborough University, Dr Mark King, has found Beaton’s bowling action to be illegal and, as such, he has been suspended from bowling in all West Indies international and regional matches with immediate effect.

The assessment revealed that Beaton’s deliveries exceeded the level of tolerance for extension of the elbow permitted under playing regulations. As per the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations the suspension will also apply to all other domestic leagues worldwide.

Beaton will remain suspended until such time as his action is found to be legal, either by an Opinion Report from Loughborough University or by an independent analysis from an accredited ICC testing centre, in accordance with the CWI Regulations for Dealing with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions.

The final round of matches in the West Indies Championship started on Wednesday 29 March. Leaders Guyana Harpy Eagles are hosting Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Guyana National Stadium, whilst in Trinidad, Barbados Pride are facing Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Queen’s Park Oval and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force are hosting Jamaica Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

-ENDS-